The College of Optometrists has forecast that more than three million children in the United Kingdom will develop myopia, or short-sightedness, by the age of 18. The projection, released this year, has drawn attention because the condition often goes unnoticed in its early stages. Children rarely report changes in their vision, and in many cases they do not realise their eyesight has deteriorated.
Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu, a clinical advisor at the College, said myopia can have a lasting effect on a child's eye health, learning and development. The College is urging parents to act sooner rather than later, ideally before the problem becomes established. The trend is not new. Earlier research from the College and Ulster University found that myopia is now more than twice as common in UK children as it was in the 1960s, and that it most often begins between the ages of six and thirteen. Screens and reduced time outdoors are the main culprits, with lockdowns exacerbating both factors.
“Most parents I speak to don't see it as a vision problem at first,” said Sid Sethi, founder of Manchester-based eyewear brand Specscart. “It's a kid sat too close to the telly, or a book held right up against their nose, or a child who says they can't read the school whiteboard. Everyone assumes it's a phase. Sometimes it is. Often it isn't, and you can't tell by looking at them.”
Optometrists offer consistent advice: book a first sight test around age four, keep up with follow-up appointments even when nothing seems wrong, and watch for signs such as squinting, headaches after screen time, or a child sitting unusually close to objects. Time outdoors is frequently recommended as one of the few habits linked to slowing the progression of myopia.
If a child is found to be short-sighted, the next step is usually straightforward. A proper pair of prescription glasses, fitted early, helps them see the board and participate in school like their peers. Waiting rarely helps. For parents seeking convenient options, Specscart offers free eye tests and a range of eyewear, with details available at www.specscart.co.uk.
The implications of this forecast extend beyond individual families. Uncorrected myopia can hinder academic performance and daily activities, and may increase the risk of more serious eye conditions later in life. With millions of children potentially affected, the demand for eye care services and corrective eyewear is likely to rise. The College of Optometrists emphasises that early detection and intervention are simple and effective. Regular eye tests, comparable to routine dental check-ups, can identify problems before they worsen.
For the optical industry, the projection signals a growing need for accessible and affordable vision correction. Specscart, an optical disruptor, designs fashionable glasses that are 70% cheaper than the high street, made in-house at its Manchester glazing lab and sold through three shops and online. Its hallmarks include 24-hour dispatch, transparent pricing, and try-before-you-buy home trials on its specs, sunglasses, and sports eyewear. Free worldwide shipping has won customers in 132 countries, and with free eye tests for all, over 2,000 styles, and the widest lens bank in the UK, the company aims to change how people see eyewear. As the UK faces a surge in childhood myopia, early action remains the most effective strategy.
