DfES Ministers have had no meetings with the DH on these topics. We have no plans to press for more eye screening in school-age children, because there is no evidence to support such a move.
Local health services must do one medical check at some point in childhood (usually around age four, not necessarily at school). These normally pick up any eye problems. In addition, DH provides free eye checks for children and recommends that parents take advantage of these if their child experiences a difficulty. We believe these measures are sufficient.
We suggest that teachers who have any cause for concern over a child's eyesight should raise these concerns with the parents/carers.