One of the most important things we can do for our child’s overall wellbeing is to ensure that their eyes are healthy and functional. Vision problems can interfere with your child’s performance at school and even affect their safety. The Australian College of Optometry (ACO) states that good vision is also integral to a child’s social and physical development.
At Envision Optical, we believe regularly scheduled eye exams for the kids will help to maintain healthy vision now and for the future. In the month of January, we see a large number of children during our back-to-school campaign. Prompt detection of eye disorders allows our optometry team to intervene and correct vision problems early.
The Importance of Eye Exams
Regular eye exams are essential to ensuring a child has proper visual skills to optimise their ability to grow and develop into teenage and adulthood. According to the ACO, eye disorders are among the most common long-term health problems children may experience.
Children may not even realise they have an eye problem, or they may not tell anyone about their impaired vision. Fortunately, our team of skilled and compassionate optometrists can assess your child’s vision and provide the best treatment for their needs.
We recommend seeing children for their first eye test at six months of age. School-aged children should have their eyes examined at least every two years, if no corrections are required. Typically, children who need eyeglasses or contact lenses should have annual eye exams to monitor any changes or needs.
Warning Signs that Your Child Needs an Eye Exam
1. Squinting or Tilting Their Heads
Squinting or tilting the head can be signs of a focusing issue, such as astigmatism, hyperopia or myopia. If your child consistently squints or tilts their head, it could mean they have impaired vision.
2. Sitting Too Close to the TV or Holding a Book Too Close to the Eyes
Sitting too close to a television or holding a mobile device or book too close to the eyes can be obvious indications that a child might have vision problems. Children with nearsightedness often bring objects closer to their eyes to see them more clearly.
3. Persistent Headaches or Eye Pain
If your child complains they have persistent headaches or eye pain, book them in for an eye exam. Straining their vision can lead to blurred vision, headaches, and tired or painful eyes.
4. Difficulty Concentrating on School Work
Children today have to focus on a wide range of objects in the classroom. Rapidly changing focus from a whiteboard to a textbook and computer/tablets throughout the day may manifest as a lack of focus on schoolwork. If your child has trouble concentrating at school, perhaps it’s time they get an eye exam. 
Are You Ready to Arrange an Eye Exam?
If you suspect your child might have vision impairments, we invite you to contact our Burleigh Waters or Tweed Heads eye clinics to book an appointment. Give them the best chance of starting the new school year with every confidence and ability to succeed.