Vision problems can impact many areas of a childs development depending on the type of issue involved. Below are some common vision problems and how they can affect your childs learning and social interactions:

Hyperopia (Long-Sightedness)

Children who have uncorrected hyperopia often find reading uncomfortable and avoid books and near work, but tend to be more social and outgoing.

Myopia (Short-Sightedness)

Children with uncorrected myopia often spend a lot of time reading or using digital devices, often to the detriment of sporting development and outdoor play, so they tend to be more introverted than other children.

Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

Amblyopia often leads to poor depth perception and poor judgement of distance which can impact a childs ability to play sports that involve catching and hitting fast moving balls.

It's important to remember that vision issues may not always be readily apparent, especially as children typically perceive their surroundings as normal, because they lack any basis for comparison. Statistics indicate that an alarming 1 in 5 children may have an undiagnosed vision problem which is why it's crucial to ensure that children undergo their first eye examination before embarking on their primary school journey, or even earlier if any suspicions arise regarding their vision.

Our Optometrists, John Merrin and Kate Merrin, hold qualifications in Behavioural Optometry, which has a dedicated focus on children's vision and developmental needs. This qualification uniquely positions them to effectively assess and diagnose any vision-related challenges that children may encounter.  Both John and Kate practice at our Range Shopping Centre location, and you can book online now using the "Book Now" button below, or by calling us on (07) 4659 9599.