OPTICIANS in Reading, Woodley and Lower Earley are urging parents to get their children’s eyes tested ahead of the new school year.
They warn that poor eyesight can cause learning and behaviour problems if left untreated.
As the summer holidays draw to a close, the teams at Specsavers Reading, Woodley and Lower Earley are raising awareness of the importance of good vision to children’s education, saying regular check-ups are the best way to spot any problems and treat them before they have an impact on the child’s education.
Specsavers Reading, Woodley and Lower Earley store director, Ravi Bhardwaj, says: “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 problems they are having with their eyesight.
“They might not even be aware they have a problem at all. That’s why we recommend that all children have an eye test before they start school. They don’t need to be able to read – our opticians have lots of other ways to assess their eyesight.”
Problems such as squints or lazy eye (amblyopia) can be treated more effectively the earlier they are picked up. This can make a huge difference to a child and their education.
All children under 16, as well as those under 19 in full-time education, are entitled to an NHS-funded eye test every two years, or sooner if recommended by an optician, and a voucher towards the cost of glasses.
With stores on Broad Street and Shinfield Road, Reading, Crockhamwell Road, Woodley and Shenfield Road, Lower Earley, Specsavers offers a wide range of children’s glasses (including frames and lenses) for the value of the NHS voucher and a number of designer frames, including Liberty London, Hype, Disney, Marvel and more.
For more information or to book an appointment, call 0118 956 9001 or log on to: https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/reading
