Children's Eye Care
Research shows that up to 80% of a child’s learning comes through their vision. Good vision depends on healthy eyes and good eye function. At Grant and Douglas we offer comprehensive eye examinations for children of all ages and we are also registered providers for the Enable Spectacle Subsidy. Our friendly optometrists will ensure your child is happy and comfortable during the examination process, and will explain everything.
School vision screenings may fail to detect vision problems that could be detrimental to your child’s learning. If you suspect your child is having a vision problem we recommend booking them in for a thorough and comprehensive examination with us.
Jenny Stewart holds an Advanced Certificate in Children’s Vision from the Australian College of Optometry and specialises in children’s eyecare.
Signs that your child may be experiencing a vision problem include
If your child tends to avoid tasks that involve close work, such as reading or writing, it could indicate a vision problem. Children might shy away from activities that strain their eyes, leading to difficulty focusing on nearby objects. This can hinder academic performance and daily activities, making early detection key.
Children with vision issues might develop compensatory habits, such as sitting with an awkward posture or tilting their head to one side, in an attempt to see more clearly. This can be a sign that they are struggling to focus properly with both eyes, potentially due to misalignment or refractive errors.
If your child closes one eye while reading or focusing on objects, it could be a sign of vision imbalance or double vision. This behavior often indicates that one eye is doing more work than the other, which can lead to discomfort and long-term visual problems if left unaddressed.
When children move unusually close to a book, desk, or screen, they might be compensating for blurry vision. This is often a clear indicator of nearsightedness (myopia), where distant objects appear blurry, prompting them to reduce the viewing distance for clarity.
Children with undiagnosed vision issues may lack confidence in sports due to difficulties judging distances, catching objects, or tracking movement. Poor hand-eye coordination and performance in physical activities can sometimes stem from vision problems that affect their ability to participate fully in sports.
Excessive blinking or frequent eye rubbing could suggest that your child is experiencing eye strain or discomfort. These symptoms might indicate underlying vision issues, such as dry eyes, allergies, or refractive errors that are causing strain as they try to focus.
Vision problems can manifest as learning difficulties, particularly with reading and comprehension. Children may struggle to keep up with schoolwork because their inability to see clearly affects their concentration and retention. Addressing vision concerns can often lead to improvements in their academic performance.
Children experiencing frequent headaches, nausea, or dizziness may be suffering from eye strain due to uncorrected vision problems. These symptoms, especially after reading or focusing on tasks for long periods, can be an indication of poor visual function that requires evaluation.
If your child consistently sits closer to the TV or positions themselves near the front of the classroom, it could be a sign of distance vision issues. This behavior suggests they may struggle to see clearly from a standard viewing distance, which can impact their learning and entertainment experiences.
Grant and Douglas are committed to delivering optometry excellence every day.
