Sun. Nov 3rd, 2024

Half-term headaches caused by parents failing to put eye tests first

Vision Express, the leading experts in eye health, has revealed that October half term is one of the most popular times to have children’s eyes tested, as kids adjust to life in the classroom during the autumn term.

Research commissioned by the opticians this summer showed that eye tests fall low on the to do list in the rush of back to school, with 70% of parents prioritising buying uniforms including school shoes.* With less than 10% of parents putting an eye test first, which can cause a headache that needs to be addressed as the autumn term progresses.** Worryingly, 45% of children who did have their eyes tested found out that they had poor eyesight .  Top triggers included following the recommendation of getting them tested every two years (42%), their child getting headaches (17%) or noticing they were squinting (14%). Over 13% had their child’s eyes tested because they couldn’t see the board in class . Frequent squinting or frowning, excessive eye rubbing, skipping words when reading, and tired eyes or headaches, are all some of the signs parents can look out for in their children that mean they could have an undetected eye problem.

To encourage all family members to take their vision seriously over half term, Vision Express will be offering a Free Family Eye Test during school holidays. When parents book a child’s eye test, they can receive an adult’s appointment for free. The offer is valid throughout each half term and can be booked by phoning your local Vision Express and asking for the free family eye test.

https://www.visionexpress.com/eye-health/childrens-eye-test/

* Markettiers survey, August 2018

** Markettiers survey, August 2018

 

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By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.

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