Did you know that one in five school-aged children has an undiagnosed vision problem? This is why it’s important to take your child for an eye test at the earliest opportunity.

After the last few years of more learning-from-home and increased screen time, it’s more important than ever to remember to get your children’s eyes tested by a reputable optometrist.

Close work and increased time in front of a screen can lead to digital eye strain and myopia (short-sightedness). Even if your child isn’t complaining of specific eye issues, it’s still important to take them for an eye test. Young people may find it difficult to explain any difficulties they’re having with their eyesight. In fact, they may not even be aware they have any problems at all. They may not realise that the way they look at the world isn’t ‘normal‘.

What an eye test will see

An optometrist can diagnose Myopia, which is a growing problem worldwide, and help manage any vision problems your child may have. An eye test also looks at the overall health of the eye, not just sight. Good eyesight is essential for your child’s development, so don’t wait. Eye tests for children can be done at any age – call us today to book an appointment!

Myopia is a problem that is becoming increasingly common worldwide, with estimates suggesting that half the population will be nearsighted by 2050. This condition can have a significant impact on your child’s development, so it’s important to get them checked out as soon as possible. Myopia is serious, but with early diagnosis and treatment, we can help your child maintain healthy vision for years to come.

Eye tests for children carried out by a skilled optometrist can help identify Myopia and manage any other vision problems your child may have. So don’t delay – call us today and book an appointment!

How do I know if my child has an eye problem?

If your child is having difficulty seeing the board at school or holding books close to their face, these may be signs of an eye problem. Other symptoms include squinting, headaches, and rubbing their eyes frequently. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to schedule an appointment with an optometrist as soon as possible.

Early diagnosis and treatment of myopia, or nearsightedness, is important in order to prevent vision problems later in life. If your child is diagnosed with myopia, there are a number of treatment options available. These include glasses, contact lenses, and MiyoSmart lenses which have been found to reduce the progression of myopia for 60 per cent of children aged eight to 13 years. In addition, the new lenses completely stopped further vision loss in 21 per cent of trial the participants.

When should my child have an eye test?

If you’re wondering when is the best time to have an eye test for your child, the answer is: it’s never too early! Visiting our optometrists will mean that one of our eye experts can spot and manage vision problems that may affect your child’s development.

For your child to develop to their full potential both at school and socially, good eyesight is key. The eye is still developing during early childhood so if problems are treated early, it can make a lasting difference. If you’re concerned about your child’s vision, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with our Newmarket optometrist.

Paying for eye tests for children

The New Zealand Ministry of Health can help pay for eye tests, eye patches and glasses through the Enable Spectacle Subsidy. If you are a parent/guardian of a child 15 years of age or under, you have a valid community services card, or the child has a high-use health card then your child may well be eligible. The subsidy also covers repairs to glasses and a higher-level subsidy is available for children with vision needs that require 6 monthly monitoring or more extensive intervention.

Eye tests for children of all ages can make a lasting difference and our team of experienced professionals will be able to provide your child with the care they need. Call us today on 09 5221283 to book an appointment. Henderson Optometrists are also available on 09 836 1731.

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