Vision Problems In Children
Vision Problems In Children
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.
Key points to remember about vision problems in children
- if you have concerns about your child's vision at any time, take your child for an assessment
- if your child does have a vision problem, finding it early is good for their learning and development
What are the signs of a vision problem?
Your child may have a vision problem if they:
- have learning or reading difficulties
- are clumsier than usual for their age
- screw their eyes up or tilt their head to see, or
- have frequent headaches
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.
If your child does have a vision problem, finding it early is good for their learning and development.
What will it cost if my child has a vision problem?
If your child has a vision problem, there is a spectacles subsidy which can help with the costs of your child's:
-
eye test
-
glasses (frames and lenses)
-
eye patches
-
repairs
The subsidy is available for:
- any of your children, aged 15 or under
- but only if you have valid Community Services Card or your child has a current High Use Health Card
For more information about this subsidy:
- see the Ministry of Health's website page on the children's spectacle subsidy and the pamphlet Children's spectacle subsidy (PDF, 6.94MB)
- contact Enable New Zealand on 0800 17 1981 or email enable@enable.co.nz
This page last reviewed 15 August 2019.
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