At just four, my daughter was diagnosed with Myopia and an astigmatism in both eyes. A prescription of 8.75 was recommended, a shockingly high number for a child, necessitating much thicker lenses. The NHS vouchers, didn't cover the cost of thinning these lenses to fit into a child's frame, and no alternative frames were provided. The lenses, heavy on her tiny face, distorted her beautiful eyes, making them look out of proportion. Every three months, high fees were paid out of pocket, with no choice but to bear it.

Unfortunately, this is not just our story. Countless families in the UK grapple with this blight. Myopia affects around 1 in 3 people in the UK, with many of them being children with a high degree of myopia necessitating thicker glasses (College of Optometrists, UK). Hyperopia too, is not far behind. These children have to wear glasses with lenses so thick that they are not only cosmetically unappealing but also uncomfortably heavy.

It is crucial that this oversight in the NHS's policy be addressed for the well-being of our children. We plead for an extension of the NHS vouchers coverage to include lense thinning for children with high prescription glasses. This change will not only help families financially, but it will also significantly improve the quality of life for these children. Sign the petition today and support us in making this crucial change.