Eye problems in young going undiagnosed

A large number of children are suffering from undiagnosed eye problems in the UK, because of poor NHS screening services and a low uptake of free eye tests, a new report has warned.

According to the Association of Optometrists (AOP), as many as five per cent of six year-olds and ten per cent of 12 year-olds have an uncorrected eye problem.

The AOP said that the high levels of undiagnosed eye conditions were caused by the shaky services offered by public health systems under the NHS and the fact that many parents do not know under-16s are entitled to fee eye tests.

Welcoming the report, David Butler, chief executive of the National Confederation of Parent Teacher Associations, said it was "a useful reminder of the importance of regular eye tests for our children".

"Poor eye health can have a significant impact on a child's learning and so it is vital for parents to know what they need to be aware of," he added.

The government has said that it will make every effort to ensure that parents are aware of the free tests, one of several initiatives it is taking to improve child health across the UK.

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