So we spoke to Visique Optometrist Nick Burbery to find out what to look for that may indicate your child is encountering vision issues. “Often children don’t complain that they are not seeing well, simply because they don’t realise that others are seeing more clearly.” says Nick. “It’s up to parents to keep aware of their child’s vision, and there are certain things you can look out for”.

Does your child?

1. Often lose their place while reading
2. Avoid close work
3. Hold reading material closer than normal
4. Tend to rub their eyes
5. Often have headaches
6. Turns or tilt their head to use one eye only
7. Make frequent reversals when reading or writing
8. Use their finger to maintain place while reading
9. Omit or confuse small words when reading
10. Consistently perform below potential.

These symptoms may possibly be vision-related, and will mean that your child is working harder at almost everything, causing fatigue and frustration. So, if you answered ‘yes’ to any of the above, organise a visit for your child to your local Optometrist.

Plus, let’s not forget the importance of protecting your child’s eyes from harsh UV rays.

UV radiation is just as dangerous to eyesight as it is for the skin. For the last five years, Visique have been looking out for kiwi kids’ eyes by providing free sunglasses to five-year-old new entrants. By encouraging kiwi kids to wear sunglasses from an early age, Visique are aiming to raise awareness of the risks of UV radiation to children’s eyesight.

From February 1st, all five-year-old new entrants can get a free pair of sunglasses as part of Visique’s ‘Back to School’ campaign. Vouchers for free sunglasses for new entrants have been distributed through local schools, or can be downloaded from www.visique.co.nz, and redeemed at your local Visique store. 

Visique optometrist Ian Finch says it’s vital for children’s eyes to be protected because damage occurs over a long period of exposure, slowly and painlessly. "Young children’s eyes can be more susceptible to damage as their pupils are usually larger and their lenses clearer, which allows more UV light through,” he says. "The risks include cataracts and macular degeneration, which are leading causes of blindness later in life, as well as pterygia and cancer".

Visique believes that wearing sunglasses, in conjunction with a hat, will reduce radiation exposure to the eye to virtually zero. However, they continue to stress the importance of standards. Sunglasses should have dark lenses and wrap around the eye to block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB.

To find your local Visique store, visit http://www.visique.co.nz

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