From buying school uniform to shopping for stationery, parents have a lot to think about in the run up to the new term – but there’s one essential task that over a third of UK mothers and fathers are forgetting.
While the NHS recommends that children have their first eye test before starting primary school aged four – and then every one to two years as advised by their optometrist – new research by Asda suggests that 36 per cent of parents are unaware of this guidance.
The supermarket also found that nearly seven in 10 parents (69 per cent) do not include eye tests at the top of their back-to-school checklist, largely due to busy schedules and difficulty in finding appointments that don’t interrupt school and work.
What’s more, nearly one in five parents (23 per cent) of children aged four to 10 have never taken their child for an eye test, allowing potential vision problems to go unnoticed.
At the same time, however, 17 per cent of parents admitted that they wouldn’t feel confident of spotting signs of vision problems themselves.
And, to make matters worse, in some areas in the UK, schools don’t routinely check children’s eyesight at all, according to the British and Irish Orthoptic Society (BIOS), leaving it to parents to book tests independently.
In light of these findings, Asda is urging families to combine their children’s eye test with the weekly shop by booking a free NHS-funded assessment – available for boys and girls under the age of 16 – at an Asda Opticians.
Stuart Laird, Superintendent Optometrist and Head of Optical at Asda Opticians, said: ‘We know the back-to-school period is a busy one and so we wanted to find a way to make it easy and fun to remind everyone of the importance of children’s eye health and vision.
‘Our optometrists, dispensing opticians and store colleagues are here to support patients and their families, making the whole process simple, quick, and stress-free, helping ensure every child has clear, healthy eyesight for the classroom, all while doing the weekly shop.’
Max Halford, Clinical and Policy Director at Association of British Dispensing Opticians, added: ‘Good vision is the foundation of learning and confidence.
‘Children’s eyesight isn’t always checked at school, and screenings aren’t the same as a full eye test.
‘Starting school with undiagnosed vision problems can affect reading, writing, and attention, so a simple eye test before term starts can make a real difference.’
Once children’s eyes have been tested, parents can return to all the other tasks that need to be ticked off before children go back to school.
Speaking to the Daily Mail previously, experts in children’s nutrition, sleep and parenting shared tips and suggestions for the lead up to the first day of class.
So if you’re trying to get your children back into their sleep routine or attempting to settle their anxieties about going back to school, read on to see what the experts have to say.
‘Being organised is the key to the smooth running of the first few days back at school for your children,’ Georgina Durrant, author of 100 Ways Your Child Can Learn Through Play, said.
‘Make sure any forms are signed, bags are packed and you know things like when is their PE day? Who’s having packed lunches? And which days they may be attending after school clubs or breakfast clubs etc.
‘I always advise parents to write it down, use lists, your phone, post its, wall planners – whatever works for you.
‘Check their uniform fits, is labelled and that their school shoes are comfy and their lunchbox is clean! There’s nothing worse than a lunchbox that has been left in the bottom of a bag all summer!
‘To make things as smooth as possible for the first morning get everything out the night before – uniform, bag, shoes (if you have older children you may choose to encourage them to do this themselves). And allow a lot more time than usual for the first morning.’
The expert continued: ‘A good night’s sleep in the days leading up to school is really important. And not just for children but for parents too!
‘If you’re feeling refreshed you’re much more likely to have a less stressful morning. And that positive, relaxed mood is likely to be passed onto your kids too for their day at school,’ Georgina added.
‘You could try encouraging your children to practise getting up early to make it feel less of a shock on the first day.
‘Early nights are also really important and I’d advise starting them as soon as you can before they go back, so they are in a good routine.
‘If they are due to start school tomorrow though, don’t worry- an early night the night before is still better than nothing.’
Dr Kate Stephens, gut microbiologist at Optibac Probiotics, agreed that sleep is also important.
‘Not getting enough or sufficient quality of sleep can have a negative impact on your gut health, which can in turn contribute to more sleep issues,’ she explained.
‘While being at home encourages a more flexible routine, going back to school is the best excuse to implement a new routine to kickstart improved sleeping habits.
‘Try to aim for at least seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep per night and ensure there is a good bedtime ritual not involving screens to help your child relax and recharge.’
