Behavioural Optometry for Children’s Vision
Our optometrists, Janine Hobson and Catherine Miller, have a special interest in diagnosing and treating children’s vision and myopia control. They have completed extra qualifications in Behavioural Optometry and work on untangling the mystery of Irlen Syndrome, Visual Dyslexia and Paediatric Optometry.
What is Behavioural Optometry?
Behavioural Optometry considers your vision in relation to your visual demands, such as reading, computers, and learning to read and write, to ensure your vision is working easily and comfortably. The way that you interpret what you see does not depend solely on how clear just your sight is.
Signs and Symptoms Your Child May Have a Vision Problem
Frequent eye rubbing or blinking
Complaining of headaches
Covering one eye
Tilting head to one side
Short attention span, easily distracted, poor concentration
Avoiding activities like ball games
Difficulty remembering what they just read
Avoiding reading and other near activities
Losing place when reading
An eye turning in or out
If a parent or guardian notices any of these symptoms in their child, it’s essential to schedule an eye exam.
FAQs
Will coloured lenses help my child and what do they look like?
Coloured lenses are an important therapy for a small number of children. We use a colourimeter to determine the best colours for your child. If there is no response to the coloured lenses, we will explore other tests to help.
Below is a pic of the colour variations for coloured lenses:
Does my child have Dyslexia?
Our Optometrists have completed extra qualifications in Behavioural Optometry and work on untangling the mystery of Irlen Syndrome, Visual Dyslexia and Paediatric Optometry. Their job is to complete a thorough assessment of your child, providing a diagnosis and therapy.
Do you have special frames for children? Are there warranties on frames?
Childrens glasses will need to be flexible, and tough. They can also be fun and colourful. In the younger child we use special Nano frames which are unbreakable, comfortable, flexible, and lightweight. We encourage you to ask about special extended warranties on the frames and scratch resistant lenses. The frames will need to be fitted expertly by our trained dispensers. The frames will be selected carefully, and accurate measurements taken to ensure the exact placement of the lenses.
Will my child always need glasses?
Many children will grow out of their glasses over several years, but the time is hard to quote exactly. We will send a reminder letter every six months to review your child and decide if they still need to wear the glasses and when they need them.
How often to wear glasses and how often to have eye test?
If your child is prescribed glasses, we will give you the instructions at the time of collection how often and when to wear their glasses. We then recommend a review every 6 months to check the best vision and adjust the fitting of the glasses.
Don’t let blurry vision hold your child back!
Early detection and correction of myopia can ensure clear vision for their future adventures and academic success. Schedule a comprehensive myopia assessment for your child today and take the first step towards crystal-clear horizons. Act now for a brighter, clearer tomorrow!
Behavioural Optometry for children includes:
- Measurement of focus and eye coordination function problems which can affect visual comfort and performance when reading and writing and using computers
- Measurement of distance focus, especially if there are symptoms of difficulty looking up clearly from computers, or blurred distance vision, which could be shortsightedness (myopia) beginning to develop as a result of more time on computers and less time outside
- Assessment and treatment of lazy eye (amblyopia) and turned eye (strabismus), using spectacles and sometimes vision therapy
- Assessment and treatment of development of tracking eye movement abilities for reading fluency
More from the blog about Children’s Vision
In our latest blog, discover essential tips on children’s eye safety, including the best eyewear options for sports and play. Make sure your child stays protected while performing at their best!
Discover the adverse effects of excessive screen time on your children's eyes and learn practical tips to protect their eye health.
Why do some children have difficulty learning to read and write, or ongoing problems reading to learn more?
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