World Sight Day – Vision for Children

World Sight Day – Vision for Children

Health Minister, Pete Hodgson, has shown he has vision for children as he approves new funding for the children’s glasses subsidy up to age 15.

The move is welcomed by members of the New Zealand Association of Optometrists who are meeting in Auckland this week for their annual scientific conference as they celebrate World Sight Day on 11 October. The theme for World Sight Day 2007 is “vision for Children”.

“Recent research found that 60% of a sample of 2535 children tested had significant refractive error” says NZ Association of Optometrists president Annette Morgan. “Unless problems are detected and corrected children are at risk of failing at school because they can’t see clearly.”

Astigmatism affects one in four children, and one in eight will have myopia.

“An eye examination is one of the most important exams a child can pass and new funding for the children’s glasses subsidy makes it even easier for families on low incomes,” says Morgan.

Evan Brown, a behavioural optometrist who helped develop guidelines for examining children with the Association of Optometrists, agrees. “The literature continues to show the role that vision plays for many children struggling with learning. Optometrists do not treat children with learning difficulties directly; they treat the visual and perceptual problems that impair a child’s ability to be receptive to education. Complete, thorough visual examination of not only the eyesight but all visual skills is extremely important for children who fall behind at school.”

From 1 October 2007 the children’s vision subsidy provides $281.25 towards the cost of an eye examination and spectacles for children aged 15 and under with a community services card. The new funding is for children aged 8 – 15 years.

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