Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

Eye Exam Can Boost Kids' Educational Performance

Strict Embargo: 00.01hrs 12 September 2005


A campaign launched today (12 September), to coincide with National Eye Week (12 - 18 Sept), warns how one in five school-aged children has an undiagnosed vision problem that could interfere with their ability to learn.

Good vision during a child's early years (before the age of 12) is vital as visual learning accounts for 80 per cent of the learning process. “Some children are inaccurately labelled as slow or poor learners or even dyslexic when in fact they have an undetected vision condition” explains Iain Anderson, Chairman of the Eyecare Trust.

Iain Anderson, Chairman of the Eyecare Trust says: “There are a number of tell-tale signs that your child may be experiencing problems with their vision. If you recognise any of these symptoms, or your child hasn't seen an optometrist in the last two years we'd advise you to take him or her for an eye examination.”

Tell-tale signs your child could have a vision or eye-related problem:

Pre-schoolers
Tend to bump into objects
Have red eyes or lids
Have excessive tearing
Avoid colouring, puzzles or detailed activity
Has difficulty with eye-hand-body co-ordination
Rub eyes frequently
Have encrusted eyelids

School-age children
Lose place while reading
Has headaches and tends to rub eyes frequently
Make frequent reversals when reading or writing
Avoid close work
Has poor handwriting
Hold reading material close
Red, sore or irritated eyes

Whilst some, but not all, schools still carry out vision screening programmes, these should not replace a comprehensive eye examination at your local optician. The Eyecare Trust recommends that every child aged eight years or younger has an annual eye examination and children aged nine years plus (and adults) have an eye examination every two years (unless otherwise advised by your optometrist).

As children are returning for the start of the new school year now is the ideal time to take your child for an eye exam to ensure they make the most of their education. “After all,” Iain Anderson continues “children's eye examinations are free on the NHS - so the only investment parents need to make is their time.”

It's also important for parents to monitor their children's eye health throughout the school term. Eye infections, such as bacterial conjunctivitis, are a common occurrence and can spread quickly.

However, the launch of the 1st ever over-the-counter antibiotic for the treatment of acute bacterial conjunctivitis - Optrex Infected Eyes eye drops means there's now a convenient, fast and effective way to treat the condition without having to wait for an appointment to see your GP. See your optometrist or pharmacist for advice.

National Eye Week is an annual event managed by the Eyecare Trust. Log on to the National Eye Week website for more information about caring for your eyes www.nationaleyeweek.co.uk. This year's campaign is exclusively sponsored by Optrex™.

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For further info on please contact:
Rachel Spackman or Adrian Knowles in the Eyecare Trust Press Office
Tel:01225 423394
Fax:01225 780057
Email:pr@eyecare-trust.org.uk



Notes for editors

The Eyecare Trust
The Eyecare Trust is a registered charity that exists to raise public awareness of all aspects of ocular health and the importance of regular eyecare.

Optrex
Established for over 70 years, Optrex is the UK's best known and most trusted eyecare brand and continues to maintain its number one position in the eyecare market. Optrex Infected Eyes Eye Drops are the latest addition to its comprehensive range of eyecare products. Optrex Infected Eyes Eye Drops contain chloramphenicol. Always read the label.