5 minute read
Why school vision screenings aren’t enough for Aussiekids!
BY DR NICHOLAS ALTUNEG
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’s 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’s why it’s important for Australian parents to schedule comprehensive eye exams for their children on a regular basis.
The limitations of vision screenings
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’s visual acuity, or how well they can see from a distance. But many other parts of vision are important for children’s development and academic success, such as focusing, eye teaming, eye tracking, and depth perception. These skills are not assessed during a typical vision screening.
In addition, vision screenings may miss certain types of vision problems, such as astigmatism or colour blindness. Some children may also have “hidden” 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.
Why comprehensive eye exams are important
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’s 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’s vision and academic performance.
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.
How often should Australian children have eye exams?
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.
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.
The secret to identifying vision problems in children
Observing a child’s 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’s vision, as they can help identify potential vision problems that may not be detected during a standard vision test.
How Behavioural Optometry can help your child
Any Optometrist can assess visual acuity and the health of the eyes in children. Some O ptometrists, known as Behavioural Optometrists, undertake additional training in assessing children’s vision. A Behavioural Optometrist can diagnose and treat a wider range of children’s vision problems than the typical Optometrist.
An examination with a Behavioural Optometrist will take longer, but they will look at more aspects of a child’s vision. According to the Australasian College of Behavioural Optometrists, a Behavioural Optometrist:
explores how someone’s eyes work in the distance but also how they work when reading or using various forms of technology
assesses vision processing skills
ensures that the focus, movements and teaming of the eyes are working efficiently and have the stamina for everything that they want them to do
ensures vision development in children is progressing as it should and is not impacting their ability to learn
assesses and manages vision issues of children and adults with learning difficulties such as dyslexia, ADD, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Parkinson’s and those who have had a stroke or head injury
understands the health of the eye and how your body impacts your eyes.
What is the best option for your child?
Even though vision screenings in Australian schools can help find possible vision problems, they are less thorough than full eye exams. Comprehensive eye exams can identify a wider range of vision issues and are particularly important for Australian children with a family history of vision problems or who have shown signs of vision issues. Parents should ensure their children have regular, comprehensive eye exams as part of their healthcare routine. By doing so, they can help ensure that their children can learn and thrive both in and out of the classroom. A Behavioural Optometrist should be consulted for more detailed assessments.
Dr Nicholas Altuneg is a Behavioural Optometrist who has been working on the Central Coast for almost 30 years. He is the co–founder at Eyes by Design, which is in the Kincumber Centre. Appointments can be made by phone 4369 8169 or online at www.eyesbydesign.com.au their healthcare routine. By doing so, they can help ensure that their children can learn and thrive both in and out of the classroom. A Behavioural Optometrist should be consulted for more detailed assessments.
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general eye health topics. It should not be used as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health care professional prior to incorporating this as part of your health regimen.
