Menu
27/05/2014
Warning Over Increasing Numbers Of Blind Children
A warning has been launched by the charity Blind Children UK over the increasing number of blind or partially sighted children being born, thought to be the result of a rise in the survival rates of severely premature babies.
The charity said that one in 20 premature babies surviving is likely to be born blind. It estimated the number has risen 22% in the last decade to more than 1,800.
The number of children registered blind or partially sighted has risen by 9% since 2006. Considering only children aged under five, the figure has risen by 12%.
Sally Freeman from Blind Children UK said: "The child won't know they have a visual impairment and if it's the first time for the parents, then they won't know there's a visual impairment involved."
Blind Children UK is trying to raise awareness of the warning signs that parents should watch for like as red or cloudy eyes and babies or children reacting badly to bright light.
(CVS/IT)
The charity said that one in 20 premature babies surviving is likely to be born blind. It estimated the number has risen 22% in the last decade to more than 1,800.
The number of children registered blind or partially sighted has risen by 9% since 2006. Considering only children aged under five, the figure has risen by 12%.
Sally Freeman from Blind Children UK said: "The child won't know they have a visual impairment and if it's the first time for the parents, then they won't know there's a visual impairment involved."
Blind Children UK is trying to raise awareness of the warning signs that parents should watch for like as red or cloudy eyes and babies or children reacting badly to bright light.
(CVS/IT)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 January 2013
Inquest Hears How Toddler Hung By Blind Cord
An inquest into the death of a two-year-old girl heard how the daughter of one of Britain’s richest men died after becoming entangled in the cord of a window blind. Alexandra Hoegh died in her top-floor room at the family's four-storey house in Notting Hill, in west London, last October.
Inquest Hears How Toddler Hung By Blind Cord
An inquest into the death of a two-year-old girl heard how the daughter of one of Britain’s richest men died after becoming entangled in the cord of a window blind. Alexandra Hoegh died in her top-floor room at the family's four-storey house in Notting Hill, in west London, last October.
17 October 2012
Police Taser 61-Year-Old Blind Man
A 61-year-old blind man has been Tasered by police who mistook his white stick for a sword. Colin Farmer was stunned by police following reports of a man walking through Chorley with a samurai sword. Ch Supt Stuart Williams, of Lancashire Police, said the force had "deep regrets" and had "clearly put this man through a traumatic experience".
Police Taser 61-Year-Old Blind Man
A 61-year-old blind man has been Tasered by police who mistook his white stick for a sword. Colin Farmer was stunned by police following reports of a man walking through Chorley with a samurai sword. Ch Supt Stuart Williams, of Lancashire Police, said the force had "deep regrets" and had "clearly put this man through a traumatic experience".
17 October 2014
Funeral Held For Mary Shipstone, Aged 7
The funeral has taken place of seven-year-old Mary Shipstone, who was murdered by her father at her home in Northiam, Sussex. The child was buried in a private service at St Mary's Church in the village.
Funeral Held For Mary Shipstone, Aged 7
The funeral has taken place of seven-year-old Mary Shipstone, who was murdered by her father at her home in Northiam, Sussex. The child was buried in a private service at St Mary's Church in the village.
14 October 2014
Woman And Children Found Dead In Stoke-on Trent
An investigation is underway following the discovery of the bodies of a woman and two children at a house in Stoke-on-Trent. Police say they made the discovery after being called to an address in Sherwin Road at about 18:35 on Sunday. A woman and two children were pronounced dead at the scene. No details of the victims have yet been released.
Woman And Children Found Dead In Stoke-on Trent
An investigation is underway following the discovery of the bodies of a woman and two children at a house in Stoke-on-Trent. Police say they made the discovery after being called to an address in Sherwin Road at about 18:35 on Sunday. A woman and two children were pronounced dead at the scene. No details of the victims have yet been released.
18 February 2014
Moors Murderer Still Wanted To Die
Ian Brady has issued a statement saying that he still wants to die despite losing his appeal for a transfer to a psychiatric hospital to prison. A tribunal in June ruled against the Moors Murderer's appeal to move from Merseyside's Ashworth Hospital to a facility in Scotland.
Moors Murderer Still Wanted To Die
Ian Brady has issued a statement saying that he still wants to die despite losing his appeal for a transfer to a psychiatric hospital to prison. A tribunal in June ruled against the Moors Murderer's appeal to move from Merseyside's Ashworth Hospital to a facility in Scotland.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
