Being able to see clearly is key to a child's learning and development, particularly reading and writing.

Parents often mistake poor vision that can easily be corrected for learning difficulties that may need specialist professional help.

Up to 15% of primary school children need glasses or have vision problems that contribute to learning difficulties.

Although the Snellen eye chart test is widely used in school eye screening programmes, it is not a failsafe diagnostic tool as it only tests for about 1/3 of the vision problems children may experience.

A child may be able to see objects in the distance clearly and so pass the screening, but have vision disorders that impair learning, such as problems with near-vision and binocular skills. Your child should have regular professional checkups - just like going to the dentist.