Starship Foundation

Vision problems in children



Disclaimer: This fact sheet is for educational use only. Please consult your doctor or other health professional to make sure this information is right for your child.

Key points to remember

  • if you have concerns about your child's vision at any time, take your child for an assessment (see What are the signs of a vision problem?)
  • if your child does have a vision problem, finding it early is good for their learning and development

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What are the signs of a vision problem?

If your child:
  • has learning or reading difficulties
  • is clumsier than usual for their age
  • screws their eyes up or tilts their head to see, or
  • has frequent headaches
... this may mean they have a vision problem.
 
If you are concerned about your child's vision or eyes, it is important that you visit an eye-care professional.
 
Visiting your hospital eye clinic is free but you may need a letter from your family doctor to get an appointment. You may have to wait before you get an appointment.
 
There will be a cost to visit your local optometrist. There is some help available for families. (See What will it cost if my child has a vision problem? below)
 
If your child does have a vision problem, finding it early is good for their learning and development.


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What will it cost if my child has a vision problem?

Spectacles subsidy brochure (Ministry of Health)If your child has a vision problem, there is a Spectacles Subsidy which can help with the costs of your child's:
  • eye (vision) test
  • glasses (frames and lenses or repairs) or eye patches
The Subsidy is available for:
  • any of your children, aged 15 or under
  • but only if you or your child has a current Community Services Card or a High Use Health Card
For more information about this subsidy:

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Where to go for more information

Related fact sheets
Hearing and vision checks for babies
Hearing and vision checks for young children
Hearing and vision checks for older children


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Endorsement

This fact sheet was endorsed by PSNZ - 19/08/2011

Copyright

Fact sheets are subject to copyright. In the interests of information sharing they may be copied but acknowledgement must be given to PSNZ and Starship Foundation.
© The Paediatric Society of New Zealand and Starship Foundation 2005 - 2012


The Paediatric Society of New Zealand
http://www.paediatrics.org.nz
Starship Foundation
http://www.starship.org.nz