Eye tests data shows only 5% of children aged five and under had an eye test in 2025

The Association of Dispensing Opticians (ABDO), The College of Optometrists, Boots Opticians, and Specsavers have come together to launch a public eye health campaign to increase parents’ awareness of the importance of taking children for an eye test before they start school. Eye health professionals recommend taking children for their first eye test with an optometrist at their local opticians’ practice at around three to four years old and going for regular eye tests throughout childhood, usually every one to two years. The campaign is also supported by Fight for Sight, FODO, the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) and OSA (Optical Suppliers Association). 

An additional survey of parents and legal guardians of children aged 0-11 commissioned for the campaign** has outlined a worrying gap in their approach to children’s eye health in comparison to dental checkups, with widespread misconceptions about eye tests and eye health. The findings show that one in three parents (29%) have never taken their child to an optometrist at an optician’s practice for a full eye test. However, 90% of parents with children under 12 have taken their child for a routine dental check-up. Additionally, 53% of children who do not wear glasses have never had a professional eye test. 

Alarmingly, 30% of parents of children who don’t wear glasses say they have no plans to ever book an eye test. These worrying statistics show the lack of awareness amongst parents and guardians in the UK about the importance of childhood eye tests. One of the most common misconceptions is that children need to be able to read to have an eye test, with 38% of people polled still believing this to be the case. However, optometrists can assess children’s vision and eye health using age-appropriate techniques, meaning parents and guardians should not delay booking an eye test because their child cannot yet read.

Around 3% of children in the UK develop amblyopia. Early detection is critical to treat this eye condition which may be present or develop in early childhood, but less than half of parents polled (48%) are aware that amblyopia (commonly known as a lazy eye) can often be reversed if it is detected before the child turns seven or eight.  Uncorrected refractive error (short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism) and squint can negatively affect children’s learning and development. Although rare, serious eye diseases can also be detected at an eye test. Myopia typically starts to develop later in childhood, between ages six and 13, and it’s estimated in the UK around one in five children will be myopic by age 18, which is why its critical children are taken for regular eye tests throughout childhood***.

Reality star Olivia Bowen has spoken about the importance of eye tests for little ones after having two young children in the last few years. She says, “It is so important to prioritise your child’s eye health from a young age, as so many parents don’t realise that squinting and eye issues can be reversed if spotted before the ages of seven/eight – so getting this check in prior to school age is imperative to their learning. 

“Also, tests at the optician’s are free for under 16’s on the NHS – so it really is as easy as popping into the dentist or a general doctor’s appointment. I know that taking my little boy at three has made him less nervous about future check-ups and comfortable in this environment.” 

There is also a lack of public awareness that eye tests for children are free and funded by the NHS for children under 16 across the UK. Only 71% correctly knew this with the remaining 29% believing they cost a reduced fee, full price or are unsure. 

The national campaign, spearheaded by ABDO, Boots Opticians, The College of Optometrists and Specsavers, urges parents not to wait until their child develops an obvious problem before arranging an eye test. The key advice is to book a child’s first full eye test with an optometrist at around three to four years old and ensure they have regular eye tests throughout childhood, usually every one to two years.