EVERY parent wants to ensure their child reaches all their developmental and educational milestones, but for a child to perform at their best, their eyes need to as well.
Swan Hill and Kerang Optical optometrist Jenalle Pye said children rely on their vision for 80 per cent of their learning and, with this in mind, encouraged parents to get their children’s eyes examined.
“In our comprehensive children’s eye test we evaluate the acuity of your child’s vision for distance and near, the ability of the eyes to transition between distance and near viewing, and assess how well the eyes work together as a team,” she said.
“The internal and external health of the eyes are examined and if required, we provide a tailored eyecare solution that considers the child’s lifestyle and visual needs.
“Our examinations are provided in a fun and relaxed environment and our experienced local optometrists and dispensers enjoy working with younger community members to ensure their learning through the visual sense is maximised.
“We have extensive experience in treating children and have formed wonderful relationships with many families over the years.”
Ms Pye said it was easy for vision problems to go undetected.
“Children often assume their vision is just like everyone else’s when in fact, one in five kids have an undetected vision problem that can interfere with their ability to learn and absorb information,” she said.
“We are also seeing a rise in myopia (shortsightedness) with the increase in time spent looking at screens.
“Traditionally, this type of visual compromise presented in the mid-teens and often the child had a parent with the condition.
“However, increased screen time means we are seeing children as young as five attend who can not see detail beyond the length of the arms.
“This is due to the fact that their eyes are developing to see clearest at closer rather than longer working distances.
“The younger myopia starts, the higher the risk of developing complications in later life, including retinal detachment and complete loss of vision.
“Good vision is crucial for a child’s educational, physical and social development.
“If you haven’t already had your child’s eyes examined during their toddler years by an optometrist, we highly recommend an eye test before starting school.
“However, it is never too late to book a review just to see where your child’s visual development and function is at.”
Look out for these symptoms that your child may be experiencing problems with their vision:
• Frequent blinking or rubbing eyes.
• Red or watery eyes.
• Losing concentration when reading or completing near tasks such as writing.
• Skipping lines or losing place when reading.
• Not progressing at school as expected for age.
• An aversion to reading and writing.
• Headaches.
• Blurred vision for reading or distance.
• Squinting.
• One eye turning in or out.
To find out more, chat with the team at Swan Hill and Kerang Optical by visiting www.swanhilloptical.com.au or calling into the store at 220 Campbell St, Swan Hill.
