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For free medical advice call Healthline 0800 611 116. Healthline provides a 24 hour, 7 days a week, over-the-phone health service. For emergencies call 111.  

What are the signs of a vision or eye problem?

If your child does have a vision problem, finding it early is good for their learning and development.

Signs Of Vision Or Eye Problems In Children

Who to do if you think your child needs glasses

If you are concerned about your child's vision, it is important to visit a doctor or optometrist.

Your doctor may recommend visiting your hospital eye clinic. This is free but you may have to wait before you get an appointment.

Costs if your child needs glasses

There is a spectacles subsidy for tamariki (children) aged 15 years or under. To get the subsidy, you need to have a Community Services Card or your child needs to have a High Use Health Card.

The subsidy can help some families with the cost of:

  • eye tests
  • glasses (frames and lenses)
  • eye patches
  • repairs

If you can't get the subsidy, you will need to pay for your child's eye tests and glasses. 

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