Check your children’s vision

The Optometrists Association of Australia advises that recent research has found that as many as one in four children have some form of vision problem. Up to two-thirds of those children had never received an eye examination and this may have obvious impacts on learning and social development.

Outward signs of vision problems may be excessive blinking, squinting, rubbing eyes, holding a book very close to read or closing one eye to look at objects.

Ian Bluntiash, president of Optometrists Association Australia also points out that children are often unable to recognise that they have a vision problem because it develops over time and they’re unable to sense change.

Parents are advised to have their children’s vision examined at 6 months, three years, five years and then every two years thereafter. These are covered under Medicare and more than 95% of optometrists bulk bill.

The information provided in this article is intended as a guide only. Always consult your doctor if you or your child is suffering any medical complaint. Any websites referred to by Australian Family contain information moderated by government and medical institutions or organisations.

This article was first published in Australian Family Magazine, July 2003. Updated July 2009.