Your Child’s Vision
Children often assume that how they see is normal. Parents can learn to recognise the signs of a vision problem and help their children to look after their eyes.
With children returning back to school later this month, it’s important that they have good vision for educational, physical and social development and to help them reach their full learning potential.
Optometrists Association Australia recommends that children have a full eye examination with an optometrist before starting school and regularly as they progress through primary and secondary school. Through regular eye examinations and by following some simple guidelines you can help your child to achieve the best possible vision and prevent conditions that can lead to permanent vision impairment.
The most common vision problems experienced by school-aged children are those affecting the ability to see clearly and sharply. These problems include:
• Shortsightedness (blurred distance vision),
• Longsightedness (difficulty focusing up close) and
• Astigmatism (distortion of vision).
Once recognised, these problems are usually easy to correct. Other vision problems may be more difficult to detect, such as a turned or lazy eye, and require treatment by an optometrist. Early detection is the key.