1-In-5 Kids At Risk Of Eye Problems

Children in Fife are at risk of permanent sight damage if they don't visit an optician.

1 in 5 kids are thought to have an undetected eye condition, which is around 64,000 in Fife. Half of all eye problems are treatable if detected early, so Fife Society for the Blind is calling on parents to make sure their children's eyes are tested annually.

Eye exams are free for anyone under the age of 16 and are recommended from age 4, but if any parent is concerned about their child’s vision or eye health, they can have an eye examination at any age.

Karen Russell from Nairn Optician, Fife Society’s own optician practice, said:

"The importance of eye health for children shouldn’t be underestimated.  Eye tests can pinpoint a number of non-sight related issues and can be an excellent indicator of general well-being.
 
"If children have undiagnosed sight problems it can cause real issues in terms of education and development.  Too often children are struggling at school but in reality they may simply require glasses to resolve their vision.  In my opinion, attending the optician should be treated in the same way as taking your child to the dentist on a regular basis."