Kids’ Vision Problems & Screen Use. What Parents Need To Know. Bulk Billed Eye Tests Wollongong
Is screen use damaging your child’s eyes and vision? When should you get your kids’ eyes tested? Where do you get kids Bulk Billing eye tests in Wollongong? Or for a bulk-billed eye test for Illawarra adults if you’re squinting to read this! Here’s what you need to know about caring for your kids’ eyes and vision. Parents Guide Illawarra. We interviewed Amy Yu, a highly experienced optometrist from Specsavers Wollongong, so we can share the key facts.
No one wants to be alarmist as devices and screens are here to stay – but it’s well known that too much screen time is bad for our eyes. However, evidence is linking screen use to specific eye issues in kids. Here’s the lowdown from the mouth (or should we say eyes) of a dedicated Wollongong optometrist.
Are devices and screens damaging children’s eyes or vision?
There is evidence to show that the incidence of short-sightedness (myopia) is on the rise, particularly in children. Usually this is linked to genetics and the parent’s eyesight. However, genetics alone can’t explain the rapid increase of eye issues in children. Scientists suspect there is the impact of excessive screen time, particularly if children engage with screens from a young age.
At what age is screen time OK?
According to the World Health Organisation’s eye health guidelines, it’s no screens for kids under 2, and less than 2hrs/day for school-age children.
How do you know if your child needs glasses? Warning signs in kids
- Listen to your child’s complaints! They might say things like “I can’t see the TV well!” “I can’t see people walking towards me!” “I can’t read the board at school!”
- Ask their teachers if they have noticed any unusual behaviour in the classroom e.g. squinting to see the board, or copying off a classmate’s notes.
- Other signs to look out for are squinting, eye rubbing (in an attempt to make their vision clearer), headaches, or tired eyes at the end of the day.
- However, be aware that the child may be malingering in an attempt to wear glasses (to copy their friend/for fashion) – but it’s best to get checked just in case.
At what age should kids have an eye test?
Generally speaking, it’s aged 4-5 years of age, so before they start kindergarten or school. However, if you have worries, there are no age restriction. It’s always a good idea to get a kid’s eyes tested early. Children’s visual pathway and eye structures continue to develop when young, and sometimes glasses can fix early eye problems in kids.
Specsavers Wollongong advise that if a toddler or pre-schooler requires a more comprehensive eye examination, they are referred onto a local paediatric eye specialist.
How regularly should kids have eye tests?
Depending on the results and risk factors for worsening vision/eye health, this could range from monthly to once every 2 years. Your optometrist will advise how often to come back.
What does a Children’s Bulk-Billed Eye Test in Wollongong include?
In summary and in basic terms for us non eye experts, a children’s bulk-billed eye test at Specsavers Wollongong includes; a check of your child’s eye health, including scans and photos that the key structures are working as they should, testing to see if a child needs glasses, or any further treatment. As is the general rule with health, early intervention and treatment of eye issues often provides better outcomes – so, it’s always worth getting your child’s eyes tested early and then regularly.
Are Children’s Eye Checks Free in Wollongong?
Specsavers Wollongong bulk-bill all consultations for children and adults. However, if there is further testing required outside of their scope of practice, they may refer to a paediatric ophthalmologist, which may incur out of pocket fees.
What’s the cost of kids’ glasses?
At Specsavers Wollongong, kids glasses start from $99 for two pairs. If your child wants more design choice, they have designer and label kids glasses with two pairs for $199.
However these costs assume a single vision lens. Sometimes more specialist lenses are required to slow to down the myopia progression (short-sightedness) – this could add up to $550 on top of the frames (Hoya MiyoSmart). However Specsavers Wollongong recognise the differing needs and budget of each family and can offer a variety of recommendations.
What helps young kids be comfortable with eye tests at Specsavers Wollongong?
Specsavers ease kids into eye tests gently and calmly. They know kids are very visual so they help them fixate on shapes and colours. Their skilled optometrists take the time to explain each test in ways and with words your child will understand. It is a gradual way to build trust, so most kids happily proceed with each test.
If your child is very anxious or uncooperative, they can bring comfort plushies to hold. Plus stickers and bribery often work wonders! Or if your child needs more time, you can come back to complete the tests another day – no problems!
Top 3 tips for kids eye health
- Listening to a child’s complaints and getting an eye test and opinion with an eye care professional. Better safe than sorry!
- Regular check-ups, even if it’s just a routine check and the child doesn’t have any symptoms
- Limiting screen time & spending more time outdoors (reduces the likelihood of developing myopia) – join a social sport/club!
Booking a Bulk-Billed Eye Test for a Child or Adult in Wollongong
- Specsavers Wollongong have 2-3 optometrists on site everyday, so it is usually quite easy to book in an eye test either on the same day or within the next few days.
- The testing time can range from 20 mins to 1.5 hours depending on what tests are required.
- Click to book a Wollongong bulk-billed eye test at Specsavers for you, or your child. Or call the lovely team on (02) 4225 0652.
- Specsavers Wollongong are open 7 days a week, so you can fit in a test at your convenience.
With our sincere thanks to the awesome and dedicated team at Specsavers Wollongong, for sharing their expertise and sponsoring this article so more parents and carers are well informed!
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