How South Tyneside opticians are removing children's eye test fears
Eye tests can be daunting for children.
Opticians in South Tyneside are helping parents to take the fear out of eye health appointments for youngsters this National Eye Health Week.
Specsavers branches in the Viking Centre in Jarrow and on King Street, South Shields are taking part.
The team is championing a new, free online tool featuring fun, friendly characters to help families think about their child’s eye health and encouraging them to visit the stores for further advice.
New research from Specsavers has revealed that 17% of young children in the borough don’t like medical or health appointments, while 33% of children were worried before their first eye test.
A survey of 1,000 parents found concerns including fears it might hurt (67%) and uncertainty about what happens during the appointment (67%).
The research comes during National Eye Health Week and also highlights that more than half of parents in South Tyneside (53%) report symptoms in young children that could indicate eyesight-related issues.
These include sitting very close to screens (28%), rubbing their eyes frequently (15%), experiencing headaches (10%) and squinting (10%).
Among parents who have taken children for an eye test, 50% promised a reward or treat afterwards to help ease nerves, while 17% explained what the eye test would involve.
Ross McLachlan, Specsavers North East chair, says: ‘We know that anxiety around health appointments is a real concern for many parents and eye tests are often viewed as daunting.
“But early eye tests can help identify issues that might otherwise go unnoticed and impact a child’s learning and development and they’re NHS funded for under-16s*.
“We hope our ‘Opto-monsters’ characters and interactive online eye prompt will help children feel more comfortable and confident about attending their appointment.”
Professor Sam Wass, an expert on early years development, said: “It’s completely normal for children to feel nervous about healthcare appointments, especially when they're doing something for the first time.
“But these check-ups play a crucial role in supporting healthy development. Correcting vision early can improve learning outcomes and have a real impact on education, confidence and wellbeing.”
Parents can visit www.specsavers.co.uk/kidstests to book a free eye test and help ensure their child is ready to see, learn and thrive.
* Under-16s entitled to NHS funded eye test.