It's Eye Health Week 2026 and we're looking at all things Eye Health - today

Children’s Eye Health and Visual Development

Why child's eye health matters:

Good vision supports children’s learning, play and communication. Around one in five children may have an undiagnosed vision problem.

Early development:

Children’s eyes continue developing until about age eight, so early eye care is important for lifelong vision.

Regular sight tests:

We advise an test every two years, unless an optometrist advises otherwise. Early checks can identify squint, amblyopia (lazy eye) and myopia (short-sightedness), improving treatment outcomes.

NHS support:

Sight tests are free for children under 16, and optical vouchers may help cover prescription eyewear. Do not rely only on school vision screening, as provision varies across the UK.

Myopia support:

If a child is diagnosed with myopia, ask your optometrist about management options to control myopia progression or ask for referral to an optometrist that can help

Healthy diet:

Offer a colourful range of fruit and vegetables, plus foods such as fish, eggs and whole grains, to provide nutrients needed for healthy eye growth.

Outdoor time:

Aim for at least two hours outdoors each day. Time outside during childhood and adolescence may help reduce the risk of myopia.

Close-work breaks:

During reading or phone use, encourage children to look up at least every 20 minutes and relax their eyes for 20 seconds. Teenagers should hold smartphones at least 30 cm from their face.

Screen habits:

Limit screen time and stop using screens at least one hour before bedtime. The document advises no screen time for children under two and no more than one hour daily for pre-schoolers.

Sun protection:

Use sunglasses for your child before you use yours! Choose sunglasses marked UKCA or UV400, and check that prescription glasses or contact lenses provide UV protection. Most long-term damage to our eyes is caused by UV light and 75% of that damage is before we are 20years old. So give your child long-term protection by using good sunglasses from an early age.

Encourage visual development:

Activities such as peek-a-boo, catching a ball and playing with high-contrast toys and games can help young eyes develop.

Warning signs -what to look out for:

Arrange a sight test if a child struggles to recognise colours or shapes, shows little interest in learning to read, reports headaches or sits very close to the television.

Sight Tests are FREE for anyone under 16 through the NHS

☎️01937 849933 Boston Spa

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🌐www.optician.uk.net