child screening programme
Vision defects
Vision defects in children include amblyopia, refractive error and strabismus. Amblyopia, is one of the main problems affecting children aged between 4 and 5 years. It occurs when the eye doesn't work properly, although it appears normal. This can be serious if not treated. Other problems affecting the eye include refractive error (short or long sight) and strabismus (squint).
Read more about eye tests for children on the NHS website.
UK NSC screening recommendation Based on the last UK NSC review of this condition that occurred in August 2019.
The UK NSC recommends that screening of children’s eyes should continue to be offered to all children aged 4 to 5 years. This service should be organised and led by specialists (orthoptists). The review found that:
- amblyopia, when the eye doesn’t work properly even though it appears normal, is the main problem found by screening in this age group.
- treatment by covering the good eye with a patch has been shown to help correct sight in the affected eye. However, it is possible that the problem with the child's eye can come back again after treatment has stopped
The committee would welcome research to understand more about the long term effects of amblyopia and the long term effects of treatment.
Supporting documents from the 2019 review
Evidence summary Vision defects (2019)
This document provides the evidence on which the current UK NSC recommendation is based.
UK NSC coversheet & consultation responses Vision defects (2019)
This document summarises the review process including the public consultation comments.
Screening around the UK
The UK NSC recommends screening for this condition, however this may vary slightly depending on where you are in the UK.
Review cycle
Date previous review completed: 2019
Next review estimated to be completed: 2022 to 2023.
To see previous evidence reviews, visit the UK NSC archive.
Organisations interested in Vision defects
These organisations have expressed interest in this recommendation and may submit responses to evidence reviews.
List of organisations
- Association of Optometrists
- British and Irish Orthoptic Society
- British Association of Behavioural Optometrists
- College of Optometrists
- Communication Trust
- Faculty of Public Health
- Institute of Child Health
- Royal College of General Practitioners
- Royal College of Ophthalmologists
- Royal College of Ophthalmologists
- Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
- Royal College of Physicians
- Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow
- Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
- Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)
- Vision2020UK
- Vision Checks
If you think your organisation should be added, please contact us.