Mumsnet, the most significant platform in the UK for parents to share concerns, ideas and information regarding their children’s wellbeing, has been engaged by ABDO, The College of Optometrists and the OSA.
The biggest network for parents, the site attracts some 9m unique users each month from throughout the UK.
Working together the three optical bodies represent the profession, and the means to improve patients’ vision. Following a busy year of children’s vision surveys, including the College of Optometrists’ own research project which revealed an alarming lack of awareness about the age and frequency of sight tests for children, despite nearly half of the parent respondents requiring vision correction themselves. The launch of ABDO’s paediatric dispensing course, which has already registered high levels of interest, further reinforce the desire to make a significant difference to the next generation’s vision and ocular health outcomes. The Mumsnet project is seen to be the next step in building on this work with further consumer-facing engagement.

“As a profession and industry we know the challenges, and the rise in myopia, and yet we have never been better equipped to address the problems of children’s deteriorating vision. We need to drive awareness,” say the group.
Mumsnet researchers have data-mined their site of nearly 8,000 conversations taking place on the platform during the past five years for every aspect of children’s vision – including sight tests, confusion over the titles of the profession, and a limited number of posts about sunglasses for children, prescription sports eyewear and swimming goggles.
The data-mining highlighted confusion about the age a child should first have their eyes examined, and if a child needed to be able to read. Mixed messaging about squints and lazy eye, and concerns about over-prescribing were also evident.
The findings of the 1,000-strong survey are currently being analysed by Mumsnet researchers and will be reported very soon. Some of the findings will provide discussion points at 100% Optical, with a dedicated Q&A session with Mumsnet researchers:
The OSA stand on Monday 3 March at 12noon 100% Optical
“Millions of parents regularly use Mumsnet to seek advice or share their worries about their children’s health and wellbeing. As well as providing a place for them to have those conversations, we use the unique perspective this gives us into the views and concerns of parents to inform our campaigning work and help us to fulfil our mission to make parents’ lives easier. We’re pleased to be working with ABDO, The College of Optometrists and the OSA and using our unique insight to help to make a significant difference to the next generation’s vision and ocular health outcomes.” Rhiannon Evans, Head of Communications and Public Affairs at Mumsnet
