Vision is our primary and most sophisticated sense. It is responsible for 80% of the information we take in so it is vitally important that vision disorders are diagnosed early in life.
What to Watch For
Unlike adults children will not generally volunteer difficulty with their vision, they have nothing to compare their vision to. That’s why it is vitally important that parents and caretakers pay particular attention to children’s behaviour, general development and signs of unusual looking eyes to ensure that early detection of a vision disorder can be made. Below is a short list of important observations.
- One eye points in a different direction to the other
- Eyes are red or watery
- Light sensitivity
- Frequent eye rubbing or blinking
- Eye squinting
- Odd head posture when fixation on something (e.g TV, book, computer)
- Shutting one eye
- Creeping closer to TV, books or computer
- Complaints about headaches or sore eyes
- Clumsiness or poor motor control
- Speech delays
- Delays achieving developmental milestones
Children’s Vision is What We Do
Our optometrists have a wealth of experience with children and child related vision disorders. They have a gentle and caring nature and enjoy the challenge of engaging with children. They say half the battle is getting children to participate and to enjoy the clinical experience; this allows them to confidently assess a child’s visual abilities. We are frequently the optometry providers of choice for our local maternal and child health nurses.
Some children with vision processing disorders may also benefit from perceptual skills testing. Joe Grossi has an interest in this field and can offer advice on treatment plans that may benefit these children.
Call us on 9436 0404 to make a children’s vision appointment.
