Did you know that 1 in 4 school-aged children have an undiagnosed vision problem? Many children don’t realize they have difficulty seeing clearly because they don’t know what normal vision looks like. These vision issues often go unnoticed in school screenings and can impact a child’s learning, concentration, coordination, and confidence.
At Kids Eye Care by Five Dock Optometry, we are committed to early detection and prevention to ensure your child has the best chance to thrive in school, sports, and everyday life. If it’s been more than a year since their last eye test, it’s time to book an appointment to safeguard their vision.
Common Signs of Vision Problems in Children
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Squinting or frequent eye rubbing
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Sitting too close to the TV or holding books/devices too close
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Tilting their head when focusing
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Difficulty with hand-eye coordination in sports and activities
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Struggling with reading, writing, or concentration
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Leaning too close to their desk while doing homework
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An eye turn or a history of eye turn surgery
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Myopia (short-sightedness) worsening every year
When Should Kids Have an Eye Test?
1) First Eye Exam – Infants & Toddlers (6–9 months) – Early eye exams assess eye tracking, focusing, and overall eye health, even before a child can communicate verbally.
2) Pre-School & Early Primary (3–6 years) – A comprehensive eye exam before starting school helps detect any vision concerns that may affect learning and development.
3) Before Starting School – Around 5 or 6 years old
4) Older Primary & High School (7–18 years old) – Children’s vision can change quickly, so we recommend yearly eye exams to monitor for myopia progression, eye strain, and other vision issues.
Even if your child hasn’t mentioned any vision issues, annual eye exams are essential to ensure their eyesight stays healthy. Don’t wait until symptoms appear—early detection is key to preventing long-term vision problems.
If it’s been more than a year since their last eye test, book an appointment today and give your child the best start for clear, confident vision!