Get Ready for Back to School with an Eye Test

by Georgina Shaw
(Marbella)

Studies show that at least 20% of children have unidentified visual problems, which is why ophthalmologists recommend regular eye tests for children from an early age until 18.

Global optical group Specsavers Opticas are advising that before the school year begins, all children should have an eye test to ensure that any problems are identified and rectified before they start to affect their lives. This is crucial as in the early stages of learning more than 80% of the learning process relies on vision.

“Most very young children have their eyesight assessed as part of their routine developmental checks. While these are very important, it is recommended to have a thorough, complete eye test by a qualified optician. So we recommend that your child should have their first eye test at an early age.” explains Francisco Manuel Jurado, Director of Specsavers Opticas in Guardamar del Segura and Torrevieja.

“Testing before your son or daughter goes into full-time education means that any problems they may have are identified early, setting them up for a happy and fulfilling school life. That’s because not being able to see clearly can be confusing in a busy classroom. Poor eyesight can cause learning and behavioural problems, which might be blamed on other things. This is especially true for young children, who may find it difficult to explain the difficulties they are having with their eyesight. They may not even be aware they have a problem at all. And of course, the sooner vision problems are detected, the better the outcome. Conditions such as squint and amblyopia (‘lazy eye’) can be treated more effectively if they are picked up early and referred to a Specialist. And that could make a huge difference to your child.”

Specsavers Opticas are offering free Back to School eye tests for children to ensure that parents are aware if there are any issues with their children’s eyes and can seek treatment before it creates an impact on their learning. There are Specsavers in Marbella and Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol, to find you nearest optician and book an eye test visit http://www.specsavers.es/