Can your child see clearly?

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(No Transcript)
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Can your child see clearly?
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Did you know?

• Up to 1 million children in the UK currently
  have an undetected vision problem

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A clear vision for every child

• Over 90 of children visit a dentist regularly
• Yet only 53 of children have ever had an eye
  examination

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Sight now for success later

• 84 of parents agree that improved vision would
  have a positive impact on their childs
  performance at school

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Symptoms to look out for

• Good eyesight is crucial for a childs
  development - at school and socially
• Many eye conditions do not display any symptoms
• Children are often unaware that their vision is
  not perfect

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Vision matters

• Children with a family history of eye problems
  are more likely to develop squints and lazy eyes
• Signs of childrens sight problems include
  difficulty concentrating, behavioural problems,
  headaches, sitting too close to the television
  and rubbing their eyes a lot

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Why regular sight tests are so vital

• Its easy for us to neglect our eyes - they
  dont usually hurt when there is something wrong
• The eye is still developing throughout
  childhood so if problems are treated early it can
  make a difference that lasts a lifetime
• Good eyesight is crucial for a childs
  development at school and socially
• Anyone can develop sight problems but it is
  especially important to look after childrens
  eyes

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What can you do?

• Include a sight test in your back to school
  routine
• After the first test it is advisable to return
  every two years - or as recommended by your
  optometrist

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All children are entitled to a free NHS sight
test

• Up to the age of 16 (or 19 if still in
  full-time education)
• Plus an Optical Voucher entitles you to help
  towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses

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What else you can do to look after your childs
eyes

• Get outdoors regular play and exercise can
  help with eye health - studies show a minimum of
  1 hour of outdoor activity a day helps develop
  good vision
• Try to eat healthily and keep hydrated

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Sun protection
Protect your childs eyes from the sun never
let them look directly into the sun Always
wear good quality sunglasses - they should always
carry the CE quality mark and the British
Standard BS EN 18362005 giving 100 UV protection
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For more information

• Visit www.aop.org.uk/childrenseyehealth
• Email childrenseyecare_at_aop.org.uk
• Telephone [phone]

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Thank you
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More information about the childrens eye health
campaign
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Childrens Eyecare Initiative
We are gathering scientific evidence of the
importance of eye care for children, as well as
producing a policy statement on childrens eye
health. This will include the issue of vision
screening and key stage interventions to ensure
all children have access to eye care at the time
they need it and, as a consequence, are fully
able to develop their social and educational
potential. Polly Dulley, Chair of the AOP
Childrens Eyecare Initiative  
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Media coverage 2010
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Media Coverage 2010
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Media Coverage 2010