Vision (eyes)
Your child’s eye sight will be checked in their first year of school, this is often called ‘vision screening’ and is carried out in school by one of our team whilst your child is in school. You will get a letter about this during their first year.
This helps to pick up any problems early and make sure that any treatment needed is in place.
Sometimes vision problems run in families such as a lazy eye (squint) or short sightedness and it is important to seek advice from a healthcare professional if you have concerns. You should not wait for the vision screening to take place in school if you are worried but should book an appointment with an optician or your GP.
Things like your child complaining of headaches, rubbing their eyes a lot, seeming clumsy or sitting very close to the TV might be a sign of problem with vision.
Hearing (ears)
Problems with your child’s hearing can happen slowly or suddenly.
A child’s hearing may be affected when they have a cough or cold, this will usually get better on its own within a few days.
If your child is complaining of pain in their ears this could be due to an infection or virus, you can find more information about earache in children here:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/earache/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ear-infections/
Things that might be a sign your child has difficulty hearing are; your child not responding to their name, using a loud speaking voice, having the TV volume turned up high, asking you to repeat things you have said or not seeming to paying attention in school or groups.
Difficulties with speech or progress at school can sometimes be due to a problem with hearing
If you have concerns about your child’s hearing you should speak to your family doctor (GP), they will be able to advise you and refer you to a specialist called an Audiologist for a hearing test if needed.
How you can help
- Contact your GP if you have concerns about your child’s eyes, such as a squint (when eyes appear to look in different directions)
- Eye tests are free for children under 16 at an optician and it is recommended that eyes are tested every 2 years
- Speak to a doctor, pharmacist or call NHS111 if your child has sore, red, itchy or runny eyes
- Talk to your pharmacist, doctor or call NHS 111 if your child has pain in their ear or discharge from their ear.
- If your child has something stuck in their ear, do not try to remove it but seek help at your nearest minor injuries or emergency department.
Who can help?
For more advice about your child's vision or hearing, speak to one of our team. You can Call Us on 0300 029 50 50 or Text Us on 07520 649887 to start a conversation. **Monday to Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm excluding bank holidays**
Older children (aged 11-19) can ask advice from a school nurse by texting our confidential ChatHealth service on 07480 635 443.
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Delivering excellence in Children and Young People’s Services:
a partnership between Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust and
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust.
Funded by Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council