Is your child ready for school?

With another generation of four and five year olds about to wave goodbye to their parents and begin their first year of primary school, Optometrists Association Australia is urging parents to have their child’s eyes tested before they start school.

Optometrist and Professional Services Manager at the Association, Shirley Loh, says many parents don’t realise that undiagnosed vision problems can result in learning or behavioural difficulties for children as they struggle to read, see the board, or focus on the computer screen at school.

“Most vision problems can be corrected, but early detection is the key to reducing their impact. Picking up possible vision problems now gives your child the best possible start at school."

“Signs for parents to look out for include frequent blinking, red or watery eyes, headaches, and squinting when watching television. There are also activities that can be done at home that can encourage visual development in young children.”

“Medicare covers the cost of eye examinations conducted by optometrists, so there is no reason for parents to be complacent when it comes to their child's vision,” said Ms Loh.

Optometrists Association Australia recommends that all young children have a full eye examination with an optometrist before starting school, and regularly as they progress through primary and secondary school.

Signs for parents to look out for:
•    One eye turns in or out while the other points straight ahead
•    Frequent blinking
•    Red or watery eyes
•    Sensitivity to light
•    Squinting when watching television
•    Frequently rubbing the eyes
•    Tilting head noticeably when looking at things
•    Covering or closing one eye when looking or reading
•    Difficulty recognising familiar people in the distance
•    Headaches
•    Blurred or double vision
•    Difficulty learning to read

Activities to encourage visual development:
•    Building blocks and puzzles
•    Reading to your child
•    Throwing and catching a ball
•    Painting, colouring, cutting and pasting