Paediatric Vision and Optometry

Abstract

Until recent times remarkably little attention has been paid to the visual problems of children. Few children seek professional eye care, and vision screening services provided by the school health authorities have been shown to be inadequate. National Children's Vision Week (NCVW) in 1979 was the first stage of an AOA programme to inform the public, particularly teachers, of optometrists' unique role in paediatric eye care and the importance of early intervention. The paper presents information resulting from optometry's participation in NCVW, and suggests strongly that all optometrists should be informed as to their responsibilities in paediatric eye care.