Eye tests are to be carried out on children in the mid Essex area, in a new screening programme to improve the detection and treatment of eyesight problems.
The Primary Vision Screening programme for four to five year olds has been launched by Mid Essex Hospitals Trust.
Helen Collett, the trust's head orthoptist, said, "About five per cent of children have a hidden blindness but can cope with using one good eye. It can be that one eye is out of focus and they can't judge distance very well or have problems reading.
"It is important to test the children young. Four is the most reliable age and it is best to test them before they go to school. If the problems are not detected by the time they are six than they can't be treated."
The trust has set up a database and Helen's team is arranging appointments across the mid Essex region.
Published Monday July 19, 2004
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