OPTOMETRISTS are urging parents to get their children’s vision checked as they return to school for 2023.
Specsavers claims that nearly one in three children have never had an eye test. Cheltenham East Specsavers optometrist Kam Kabiri says “as optometrists, we like to encourage parents and carers to ensure their children have their first eye test before starting school to detect and correct or manage any issues, so they don’t go untreated. Children’s eyes are still developing during their schooling years, and myopia, or as its more commonly known, short sightedness, is on the rise in children globally.”
“Screen time is typically unavoidable between school, study and entertainment, but I encourage parents and carers to ensure young children get adequate breaks from screens and close up work to avoid digital eye strain or developing myopia,” Kabiri said. “Children who spend more than three hours a day on screens are more likely to have had their eyes tested as a result of already experiencing headaches and blurry vision.
“If your child complains about headaches, blurred vision, trouble focusing or any other issues with their eyes, I recommend booking an appointment with an optometrist immediately rather than waiting until their next check-up.”
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 1 February 2023