Vision
The aim of vision screening is the early detection and treatment of visual problems. If left untreated, childhood vision problems, such as squint, can lead to some permanent loss of sight.
Squint - A turned eye (fixed or latent). This may be indicative of a serious underlying eye disease. A squint requires urgent referral as sight may be lost.
Amblyopia - A lazy eye (due to poor focusing) that cannot be corrected with glasses. This requires urgent and early treatment well before school age or it will result in permanent vision problems.
Early Detection
The Well Child screens are:
- A check at birth (refer page 7 of the Well Child Tamariki Ora Health Book).
- The vision questionnaire at each Well Child visit. At each check there is a set of questions that identify children within the normal range of development. It is natural for a parent to be afraid to admit concerns because of the fear of abnormality.
- Eyesight testing identifies problems which affects the ability for each eye to see well. It involves a specific test with precise measurements and criteria. It is best done with children over three years of age as there is a need to have the ability to match shapes, follow instructions and communicate results.
(Reference: WellChild Health Prefessionals Booklet 2004)
The following person has agreed to be the national contact with respect to vision services for WellChild/Tamariki Ora
Dr Lesley Frederikson
NZ Association of Optometrists
Ph 04 473 2322 |
