Children’s Eye Health: Signs Every Parent Should Know | Ringwood North & Mornington

When it comes to your child’s development, clear vision is not optional – it is essential. From learning to read to building confidence in the classroom, healthy eyesight plays a major role in academic performance, behaviour and social growth – and it is essential that parents understand children’s eye health.

At A Plus Optometry in Ringwood North and Mornington, we regularly see children whose vision concerns were subtle but impactful. The earlier a problem is detected, the easier it is to manage.

That is why understanding the signs of vision problems in children is so important for parents.

Why Child Eye Health Matters

Children often do not realise they have a vision issue. They assume what they see is normal because they have nothing to compare it to. Unlike adults, they rarely complain about blurry vision.

Research shows that a large percentage of learning is visual. If a child cannot see the board clearly, struggles to focus on books, or experiences eye strain, it can affect:

Regular eye examinations are not just about checking eyesight – they are about supporting your child’s overall development.

We regularly assess children from Ringwood North, Warranwood, Croydon, Mornington and Mount Eliza for early signs of vision problems.

What Are the Signs My Child Needs an Eye Test?

Parents in Ringwood North often ask what they should look out for. Here are the most common warning signs.

1. Squinting or Closing One Eye

If your child frequently squints or covers one eye while reading or watching television, it may indicate short-sightedness, long-sightedness, or astigmatism.

2. Sitting Too Close to Screens or the TV

Moving closer to screens can be an early sign of myopia (short-sightedness). With increased screen use and device time, myopia is becoming more common in school-aged children.

3. Frequent Eye Rubbing or Excessive Blinking

Constant rubbing or blinking may suggest eye strain, focusing difficulties, or fatigue during near work.

4. Complaints of Headaches

Headaches after school or reading sessions can sometimes be linked to uncorrected vision problems.

5. Avoiding Reading or Homework

If your child loses interest in books, avoids homework, or becomes easily frustrated with close tasks, it could be due to visual discomfort rather than a learning issue.

6. Poor Concentration or Short Attention Span

Vision problems can mimic attention difficulties. A child who struggles to focus visually may appear distracted.

7. Clumsiness or Poor Coordination

Difficulty catching balls, misjudging steps, or bumping into objects can signal depth perception or binocular vision issues.

If you notice one or more of these signs, it is worth arranging a comprehensive eye examination.

When Should My Child Have an Eye Test?

We recommend children have a comprehensive eye examination:

School screenings are helpful but limited. They often check distance vision only and may miss focusing or eye coordination issues.

A comprehensive children’s eye test in Ringwood North or Mornington evaluates:

Our approach is calm, engaging, and tailored to children, ensuring accurate results while helping your child feel comfortable.

The Importance of Early Detection

Early intervention can make a lifelong difference.

When vision issues are detected early, we can:

The goal is not simply prescribing glasses. It is ensuring your child has the visual tools they need to thrive.

Supporting Families in Ringwood North and Mornington

As a locally owned independent practice, we are committed to supporting families in our community. We take the time to listen, explain findings clearly, and provide personalised recommendations.

We understand that parents want clarity and confidence when it comes to their child’s health. That is why our examinations go beyond basic vision checks — we look at the full picture of your child’s visual development.

Our optometrists have extensive experience in paediatric vision assessment, binocular vision testing, and myopia management.