Back to School: Book Your Child’s Eye Test Now
Back-to-school season is here! While having fun during summer is probably still the top priority for your child, that September start date creeps closer each week. For parents, this means the list of things to prepare is also growing…
New stationery? Check!
New uniform? Check!
New shoes? Check!
But as you stock up on supplies and clothes, don't overlook one essential task: scheduling an eye test for your child.
At Eye Emporium, we’re great with little eyes too. Here we share our top tips for children's eye health, plus information on how to book your child's eye test.
Children’s eye health is important
Did you know that over 80% of what children learn is visual? This makes your child's vision extra important!
Your child's vision can impact their ability to read, write, and take part in class. One common condition is myopia (or near-sightedness). Myopia is when close-up objects look clear but distant objects are blurry. At school, this can make it harder for your child to read the board or screens at the front of the classroom.
Managing Myopia
Myopia in children is becoming more and more common, but taking care of it early can make a big difference. Regular eye tests can help catch myopia early and find solutions to slow it down.
Let's get your little one school-ready! Use our top tips before the new term begins:
1. Book an eye test for your child
Get that eye test booked! This will help you find out if your child needs any support with their vision. An appointment sooner rather than later will allow time for your child to get used to wearing new glasses if they need them.
Regular eye tests are important, even if your child’s vision seems fine. However, here are some common signs to look out for:
• Squinting
• Sitting too close to screens
• Complaining of headaches
• Difficulty reading or concentrating
Find your nearest Eye Emporium store and book now.
2. Take protective measures for your child’s eye health
Prioritise outdoor playtime
Spending time outdoors has been shown to reduce the risk of myopia progression. What better time to ensure your child gets plenty of outdoor playtime than the summer holidays!
Manage screen time
Playing video games? Watching cartoons? Sometimes it's tough to reduce the screen time. Especially if the summer weather is letting us down, and you're stuck indoors. So, try regular breaks or stopping to look at something further away during screen use. This can help to prevent eye strain.
Proper lighting for studying or reading
Squinting to read in the dark? Switch the lights on! Good lighting can reduce eye strain while studying or reading. Make sure your child's study area is well-lit.
3. Speak to your child's school about their eye-health
If your child's eye test highlights any concerns about their eye health, letting the school staff know can be really helpful. Teachers can find solutions for your child. This might include swapping seats to be closer to the front of class, extra time for reading, or other eye-friendly accommodations to help your child learn at their best.
Take-aways
There are many easy ways to care for your child’s eyes, but regular eye tests are the most effective. The summer holidays are an ideal time to take your child to the optician.
Schedule an eye test today and ensure your child is ready to go back to school: Book now.
