Spot potential visual problems and help young children learn to care for the glasses they may have to wear with advice from Viv Hampshire.

Although most adults at some time seek help to correct or improve their eyesight, it is still relatively rare to see young children wearing glasses. But this does not mean that most children have perfect eyesight. Sadly, many are just unaware that a problem exists.

It is estimated that one in every five schoolchildren has an undetected eye problem and, as so much learning occurs visually, this can have a significant effect on their reading and general learning, not to mention reducing confidence and causing headaches.

Early detection, preferably before the age of seven or eight, while the muscles, focus and co-ordination of the eyes are still developing, can help to alleviate these difficulties in the long term. Most symptoms can be greatly improved, and sometimes eradicated, with the help of an eye patch or spectacles.

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