MANY of us find a visit to the dentist a daunting prospect. For children, the same feeling can apply when going for an eye test.
Now one eye specialist is looking to ease those fears, with a new book designed to highlight the importance of looking after your vision.
Sunny’s Trip To The Optometrists, published by Tompkins Knight & Son Optometrists in Northampton, tells the story of a little boy who meets a real-life team of eye health superheroes during his appointment – The Eye Wizard, Dry Eye Doc and The BV (Binocular Vision) Girl.
Together they take on the world in their never-ending “Fight for Sight”.
The book is the brainchild of Tompkins Knight & Son director Brian Tompkins (pictured above reading the book to a young patient). “Getting your eyes examined regularly is vital for long-term eye health but for some children it can seem daunting,” he says. “We wanted to create something that gets them relaxed and actually looking forward to their visit.
“The book is a fun way of introducing children to the team they will meet when they come to see us while explaining all the tests we will be carrying out and how we can help them to keep seeing better for longer.”
Early diagnosis and intervention are key to slowing the progression of short-sightedness in children, with regular eye examinations by an eye care professional recommended. The condition, known as myopia, threatens to affect half of the world’s population by 2050.
The TK&S team, including optometrist Dr Keyur Patel and binocular vision specialist Debra Grant, have been at the forefront of myopia management techniques in the UK, offering a wide range of treatment pathways including spectacles and contact lenses.
“Current research indicates that both genetics – if one of your parents has myopia, you are three times more likely to develop it – and environmental factors determine whether a child will be myopic,” says Dr Patel. “They also play a role in the progression of myopia.
“However, while we cannot change their genetics, it is useful to know that environment plays a significant role in myopia and therefore everyone can use some simple strategies to help protect their vision both now and into the future.”
An increase in time outdoors of about two hours per day, which helps children use their full range of vision, significantly reduces the risk of developing myopia. Near-vision work without a break can increase the likelihood of developing the condition and TK&S advises parents to encourage children to take regular breaks.
For every 20 minutes spent on near tasks, take a break for 20 seconds gazing into the distance (20 feet or six metres away), Dr Patel advises.
Sunny’s Trip To The Optometrists has been illustrated by Rebecca Ireland, herself an optometrist.
“We are extremely grateful to Rebecca for bringing the story to life,” says Brian. “The book looks and feels amazing.”
The book is available to parents to read with their children ahead of booking an appointment.
Call 01604 714413 or visit www.tks-optometrists.co.uk
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