Good vision is essential for a child’s learning, development, and quality of life. Yet many vision problems in children go undetected for years — simply because children assume everyone sees the world the way they do. As a parent, knowing what to look out for can make an enormous difference to your child’s future.

Warning signs of vision problems in children include sitting very close to the television or holding books at an unusually close distance, squinting or covering one eye, frequent headaches, poor hand-eye coordination, turning the head at unusual angles to look at things, and complaints of double or blurry vision. Difficulty in school or a short attention span can also sometimes be linked to undiagnosed vision issues.

Common childhood eye conditions include amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (squint or crossed eyes), myopia (short-sightedness), and congenital conditions such as childhood cataracts and ptosis. Many of these conditions are highly treatable when caught early, but become progressively harder to correct as the child gets older. This is why early detection is so critical.

We recommend that children have their first comprehensive eye examination before starting school, ideally between the ages of 3 and 5. After that, annual check-ups are advisable throughout the school years, even if no problems are apparent. School vision screenings are helpful but are not a substitute for a thorough professional examination.

At Naderk Eye Centre, our specialists are experienced in examining children of all ages, including very young children who cannot yet read a letter chart. We use child-friendly techniques and equipment to make the visit as comfortable and reassuring as possible for both child and parent.

If your child is prescribed glasses, make sure they wear them consistently — even when they claim their vision is fine without them. Children often adapt quickly to their spectacles when the frames fit well and feel comfortable. Our optometrists at Naderk Eye Centre will guide you through the prescription and help you choose the right frames for your child.