Children’s Health Queensland’s Prep vision screening program will have checked the sight of more than 300,000 Queensland kids by the end of 2023.
Up to 70,000 Queensland Prep students will have a vital eye check this year through the free vision screening service in schools.
The statewide program aims to detect conditions such as amblyopia (or ‘lazy eye’), the leading cause of preventable blindness in Australian children. The condition affects about two in every 100 children.
If left untreated, amblyopia and other visual impairments can have long-term impacts on a child’s social and educational development. In severe cases, amblyopia can even cause blindness if not treated early.
More than 258,520 children in 1,355 schools have received a free vision screening since the Prep vision screening service started in 2016.
Almost 20,000 Queensland children have been found to have a possible visual abnormality and referred to an eye health professional.
This year 44 registered nurses will perform the free screenings across Queensland in state, Catholic and independent schools through the Primary School Nurse Health Readiness Program.
Primary School Nurse Health Readiness Program clinical nurse Kym Fell said each vision test took about five minutes and involved two non-invasive screening tools.
“It only takes five minutes to change a child’s life,” Ms Fell said.
“The treatment of visual abnormalities is most effective before the age of seven.
“By screening Prep students, we are giving Queensland children the best chance to address problem eye conditions.”
This week, the Prep students of St Luke’s Catholic Parish School in Capalaba, east of Brisbane, underwent their free vision screening.
St Luke’s Catholic Parish School principal Denita Castley said good vision was important for student’s educational, social and physical development.
“Vision screening leads to better outcomes for our Prep students both inside and outside of the classroom,” Ms Castley said.
“It is increasingly difficult for families to have the time and ability to access free health checks and having this service at our school is convenient and provides the reassurance we need about our students’ development.”
Parents and carers must provide written consent for a child to take part in the free vision screening.
Children’s Health Queensland recommends parents and carers check with their child’s school to find out when their screening is taking place so they can return the consent form on time.
If you have concerns about your child’s eyes at any time, please make an appointment for your child to see an eye health professional.
Media contact: t: +61 7 3068 5111 e: chqnews@health.qld.gov.au