{"id":4538,"date":"2023-08-01T06:41:00","date_gmt":"2023-07-31T20:41:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/?p=4538"},"modified":"2023-09-06T14:17:16","modified_gmt":"2023-09-06T04:17:16","slug":"australian-children-eye-exams-vs-vision-screenings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/australian-children-eye-exams-vs-vision-screenings\/","title":{"rendered":"Why School Vision Screenings Aren\u2019t Enough: The Importance of Comprehensive Eye Exams for Australian Children"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Dr Nicholas Altuneg<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many preschools and schools across Australia offer vision screenings for children to ensure students are healthy and ready to learn. These screenings typically involve a brief assessment of a child\u2019s visual acuity, or ability to see clearly at a distance, using an eye chart. While vision screenings can be a valuable tool for identifying potential vision problems, they do have limitations and only catch about 10% of vision issues. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important for Australian parents to schedule comprehensive eye exams for their children on a regular basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The limitations of vision screenings
<\/strong>While vision screenings are quick and convenient, they are less thorough than comprehensive eye exams. Most of the time, a vision screening only checks a child\u2019s visual acuity, or how well they can see from a distance. But many other parts of vision are important for children\u2019s development and academic success, such as focusing, eye teaming, eye tracking, and depth perception. These skills are not assessed during a typical vision screening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, vision screenings may miss certain types of vision problems, such as astigmatism or colour blindness. Some children may also have \u201chidden\u201d vision problems, where they have difficulty with visual skills but can still pass a visual acuity test. These problems will not be found during a vision screening, making learning, reading, and doing other school work difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why comprehensive eye exams are important
<\/strong>Comprehensive eye exams are more thorough than vision screenings and can find a wider range of vision problems. During a comprehensive eye exam, an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist will check a child\u2019s visual acuity and other parts of their vision, like how well their eyes work together, follow each other, and focus on things. The exam may also include tests to check for conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (eye turn), and other visually related issues that can impact a child\u2019s vision and academic performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Comprehensive eye exams are particularly important for Australian children with a family history of vision problems or who have shown signs of vision issues, such as sitting too close to the TV or holding books very close. Children with a previous eye injury or who wear glasses or contact lenses should also have regular, comprehensive eye exams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How often should Australian children have eye exams?
<\/strong>The Optometry Board of Australia advises that children receive their first thorough eye exam at 6 months of age and a second exam at age 3. Children ages 5 to 18 should have a comprehensive eye exam every 1 to 2 years, depending on their specific needs and risk factors for vision problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parents should also know the signs that their child may have vision problems, such as squinting, rubbing their eyes often, or complaining of headaches or eye fatigue. Parents should make an Optometrist appointment if these symptoms happen as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The secret to identifying vision problems in children
<\/strong>Observing a child\u2019s visual behaviour and their ability to track, focus, and process visual information can provide valuable information about their vision. These aspects should be considered when examining children\u2019s vision, as they can help identify potential vision problems that may not be detected during a standard vision test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Behavioural Optometry can help your child
<\/strong>Any optometrist can assess visual acuity and the health of the eyes in children. Some optometrists, known as Behavioural Optometrists, undertake additional training in assessing children\u2019s vision. A Behavioural Optometrist can diagnose and treat a wider range of children\u2019s vision problems than the typical Optometrist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An examination with a Behavioural Optometrist will take longer, but they will look at more aspects of a child\u2019s vision. According to the Australasian College of Behavioural Optometrists, a Behavioural Optometrist:<\/p>\n\n\n\n