Parents Urged To Get Children’s Eyes Examined
Parents are being encouraged to get their children’s eyes fully examined by an optometrist even if their child has
passed a school eye test.
An Australian study showed that the type of eye test still carried out in New Zealand schools only detects less than
10%* of vision problems in children, meaning children who pass may still have problems that can result in learning
difficulties.
Keith Miller, Visique Optometrist, says the testing carried out in New Zealand schools is effective at picking up
shortsightedness (Myopia) and lazy eye in children but does not test for longsightedness (Hypermetropia) or eye
coordination.
“School vision testing goes a long way to achieve our shared goal of helping children with eye problems. However,
undiagnosed longsightedness and eye coordination problems can impede learning. Every youngster in New Zealand should
visit an optometrist for a full eye examination to ensure that they are developing good vision skills and to check for
vision problems.”
Good vision is not only about seeing clearly as a child’s eyes also need to work well in unison so that learning is not
hindered. Without two well balanced eyes each with good vision, judgement of distance is impaired and skills such as
reading maybe affected. Children also need good coordination between vision and body movement to play and enjoy sports
safely.
With 80% of a child’s learning occurring visually, parents, teachers and caregivers should look out for any of the
following symptoms that may indicate vision problems:
- Copying incorrectly from the board
- Holding books very close
- Avoiding close work as much as possible
- Closing one eye when reading or writing
- Poor concentration
- Headaches and tiredness after reading
- Rubbing eyes
Parents can help children to take care of their eyes by making sure they read and do homework in well-lit areas. While
watching TV will not cause vision problems, children should not sit or lie too close to the TV. Books should not be held
too close or to far away – the correct distance is the distance from the child’s knuckles to the end of their elbow.
Regular breaks from concentrated reading should also be encouraged, to reduce fatigue.
*Portsea Lord Mayor’s Camp Vision Screening. Walters J 1984. Australian Journal of Optometry 57 176-185 & 212-220.
ends