Opticians to offer free vision tests in push to improve eye care in early teens

Opticians campaigning for improved eye care for 12 to 16-year-olds will be offering free eye tests for this age group next month

To highlight their case, members will be offering free six-point vision tests to children aged 12 to 16 throughout May.

EyeZone chairman Diarmuid Keane said the number of children wearing glasses or contact lenses doubled from 10 to 20% between the ages of 12 and 16.

“The majority of the children in this age group receive no eye care at all. We need a scheme to target teenagers which is reliable and consistent countrywide,” said Mr Keane

Under current services children up to the age of 12 receive eye tests as part of the school eye screening programme.

However, EyeZone points out that after the age of 12 some children receive care if their parents have a medical card and, at age 16, those with medical cards then become eligible for adult services.

EyeZone manager Ray Bissett said member opticians were putting their words into action by offering the test.

“We are hopeful that this will provide much-needed support for children,” he said.

www.eyezone.ie