Boots Opticians survey reveals low parental awareness of myopia among UK parents

A Boots Opticians survey of 2,000 UK parents indicated that children’s eye health is often approached reactively rather than proactively. Only 29% of respondents regularly considered their child’s eyesight, while more than three-quarters did not know what myopia is. Misconceptions were prevalent, with nearly a third believing children can grow out of the condition, 36% thinking glasses cure it, and 13% assuming carrots reverse short-sightedness. Despite this lack of understanding, 71% would consider myopia management lenses to slow progression. Parents prioritized healthy eating, mental wellbeing (both 57%), and dental appointments (74%) over routine eye tests, which fewer than 49% prioritized. One in nine parents only visited an optometry practice when complaints arose, and 14% believed asymptomatic children do not need eye tests.