A local opticians is urging parents to avoid putting their child's eyesight and education at risk by getting their eyes tested before the start of the new term.

Specsavers in Pembroke Dock is advising that early eye tests are vital to help correct conditions such as lazy eye and squints before they become permanent and stunt a child's development.

Gary Owen, store director at Specsavers, Pembroke Dock, says: "Regular eye examinations are vital, as undetected problems with vision affect one in five school children. This can damage their confidence and performance in reading and sports that require hand-eye co-ordination.

"We recommend that children have their first eye examination at around three years old or as soon as they can match pictures or point at things, as the earlier many common childhood vision problems are discovered, the better the chance of correcting them."

Good eyesight is one of the most important tools in a child's learning and if it is not in perfect condition it can often be mistaken for learning difficulties in young children. Around 80 per cent of everything a child learns is through their vision, so even a minor problem with a child's sight can mean they suffer huge setbacks in their development at school.

Mr. Owen continued: "If you notice that your child is quite clumsy, has poor handwriting or is falling behind peers at school then it is worth taking them for an eye examination. It's important to know that these signs may be subtle.

"We're urging parents to come to our store to give their children an eye examination, which will ensure nothing is impeding their vision and consequently their ability to learn."

Most infants and pre-school children have regular vision screening as part of their routine developmental checks. These early tests are invaluable, but are not as thorough as a full eye examination by a qualified optometrist.

Eye examinations for children are paid for by the NHS up to the age of 16, or 18 if they are in full-time education. If children need glasses, the NHS contributes towards the cost. At Specsavers, this voucher entitles children to free glasses from a wide range of fashionable frames, including the new Moshi Monsters range which has eight new styles for boys and girls.

Free NHS eye examinations are also available for people over 40 years of age with a history of glaucoma in the family and individuals over the age of 60.