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Children's Optometrist: A Guide for Parents
Whether it’s the school blackboard or the playground, your child today relies heavily on visual information and the ability to see clearly.
Despite this, many Australian children are suffering from an undetected vision problem. These eye conditions can cause slow development, physical distress, behavioural issues and can stop your child from reaching their full potential.
What is a children's optometrist?
There are three types of eye care professionals: an optometrist, an optical dispenser and an ophthalmologist. In the profession of optometry, there is not an official qualification for children’s optometry, nor is there a qualification that is specifically called a ‘Children's Optometrist’.
At what age should your child see an optometrist?
Book an eye test for your children:
- When you suspect there may be issues with your child's vision
- Just before they start school
- At your discretion, or your optometrists suggestion
There's a big difference between the vision screening test by the Statewide Eyesight Preschooler Screening and a complete, extensive eye examination by an optometrist. The screening will only look at your children’s 20/20 vision.
The process: What happens during a children's eye test?
You may stay with your child for the entire test. First, the optometrist will check if there's a family history of poor vision.
Then they will perform a comprehensive vision assessment. This includes checking how one eye sees compared to the other. They will test eye teaming, distance vision, binocular vision, ocular eye movements and look for signs of lazy eye, short sightedness and long sightedness.
Finally, a digital image may be taken of your child’s eyes and visual system. They will consult you on any issues. A follow-up test may be made as well.
If there is anything of particular concern found during the process of a test, an optometrist may refer you and your child to a paediatric ophthalmologist, a health professional with more specialty in children’s eye problems.
Learn more about what will happen during a children’s eye test on our eye exam for children article.
Why do children need regular eye tests?
According to an Optometry Australia study in 2019, 1 in 5 Australian children have an undetected vision problem. Eye problems can occur at any stage of life and without early detection, they can have a very permanent and negative effect on quality of life. Not only will it harm your child’s hand-eye coordination, but children’s vision problems can also cause social or mental distress in daily life.
Source: Optometry AustraliaCommon signs your child might need to see an optometrist
- Frequent blinking or squinting
- Complaints of headaches
- Problems with school or homework
- Trouble with focusing
- Poor handwriting
- Clumsiness
What to do before going to an optometrist
Make an appointment time that suits your child, a time where they’ll be most cooperative. The exam itself will probably only take 20 minutes. It’s best to arrive early to sort out the paperwork. If possible, have your child's preferred toys or books with you as well.
Your Medicare Cover
Remember to have your Medicare card with you. Optometrists offer bulk billed eye examinations to any eligible card holder. Parents should also have any questions ready before the appointment.
How to manage children's vision problems
If they find your child has vision issues, they will issue a corrective prescription. This means your child may need contact lenses or glasses.
For any health funds members
If you are a health fund member, be sure to bring your membership card. You can purchase any prescription glasses, prescription sunglasses or contact lenses your child may need with full optical coverage depending on your policy.
Want to know about the best styles of glasses for your children? Take a look at the 14 best kids glasses types to find the right frames for your children.
How can I improve my child's vision?
After the eye examination, your health professionals may suggest eye movement exercises to help your children's eye care routine and visual skills, such as myopia control drills or other forms of vision therapy. Make sure your child is performing these eye exercises and help them understand why they need to do them.
Tips for parents
Playing with your children can also help their visual perception. Games like throwing and catching a ball, solving puzzles, reading to them out loud or playing memory games will develop your child’s ability to see and develop good vision.
Book a children's eye test at Oscar Wylee
A bulk billed eye examination is available at Oscar Wylee stores. Just bring your medicare card for a completely paid for eye exam once every 3 years, for you and your children. Please be advised not all Oscar Wylee stores have children's vision tests available. Contact your local store to enquire about children’s eye tests.
Once your child's vision is tested, browse Oscar Wylee’s Kids’ Glasses Collection.
