NHS Forth Valley is working with your local council to offer all children a free eyesight check-up in the year before they start school.

This important test replaces the eyesight tests previously carried out by health visitors and school nurses. These tests help identify eye problems that can be corrected with glasses and/or an eye patch.

We strongly recommend that your child has this test at nursery, as this allows time to correct any eyesight problems before they start school.

Why is this happening?

The Government has recommended that children should be offered an eyesight test before they start school. This allows any eyesight problems to be treated as soon as possible.

The best person to carry out this test is an orthoptist. Orthoptists are trained to test for and treat eyesight problems in young children and will perform these tests in nurseries.

What does the test involve?

Your child will be offered an eye test, usually in their nursery. The test is designed to be simple for pre-school children.

It takes about 10 minutes and involves matching pictures or letters and looking at a light. No eye drops are used.

The test should identify any problems with eyesight or a squint. After the test, the orthoptist will leave a note of your child’s result with the nursery staff.

What happens if a problem is found?

If a problem with eyesight is suspected, your child will be referred to a hospital orthoptist and optometrist for further tests.

If these tests confirm that there is a problem, treatment will be offered. Treatment is usually with glasses (spectacles) and/or an eye patch.

Is the nursery eyesight check-up foolproof?

The nursery screening test is very good, but as it is a screening test, it is not perfect.

If, after receiving a normal result, you still have concerns about your child’s eyesight, you should arrange for them to see their General Practitioner (GP) or a local optometrist.

How do I arrange for the eyesight test?

The date of the orthoptist’s visit will be displayed in the nursery.

It is not necessary for you to attend. However, if you wish to be present, please inform the nursery head teacher.

If you would like to discuss anything about the test, please contact the Orthoptic Team on 01324 566249.

Information about your child’s eye test will be stored on a secure database which can only be accessed by those who need to know this information and complies with data protection requirements.

A separate questionnaire and consent form is also included for your information.

It is important that you return this form to the nursery as soon as possible.

If you do not return the form, we will assume consent for your child to take part in the Vision Screening Programme.