Kids are always on the move, which can make it really hard to pick up problems with their vision. Given the young brain has the ability to adapt to differing levels of vision from one eye to the other, and compensate accordingly, it might be months or even years before a child’s visual impairment is detected. All that is to say: regular eye testing for children is essential.

But don’t just take our word for it. Francis Chen is 1001 Optometry’s head optometrist and a major advocate for early testing and intervention when it comes to children’s eye care. “A child’s vision system develops rapidly during the early years,” he explains. “Early detection and treatment of vision problems ensures their eyes function properly as they grow.” This is known as the critical development window, and nipping eye issues in the bud early means you have a better chance at preventing permanent vision loss, particularly with conditions like amblyopia, or lazy eye.

There are, however, a number of misconceptions associated with eye testing — something Francis and his team are keen to debunk. “Many childhood vision issues don’t cause immediate complaints like squinting or blurry vision,” he says, “which is why regular exams are so important. They can catch these silent issues before they lead to lasting problems.” People also tend to think children can’t have their eyes tested until they can talk, or that the testing process can be painful for kids. “Eye exams for children are typically quick and painless,” notes Francis. “Optometrists also have specialised tools to assess vision without needing a child to read a chart or identify letters, which means even infants and toddlers can have their eyes examined.”

When it comes to encouraging and preserving children’s eye health, Francis recommends regular comprehensive exams, something you can book in at 1001 Optometry’s new Chatswood Chase store, and limiting screen time, which can tend to strain young eyes. As the old adage goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Book an appointment today