Key points about hearing and vision checks for preschool children
- your child's hearing and vision will be discussed with you at various Well Child checks before your child turns 4 years of age
- the eighth and final Well Child check is called the B4 School Check and happens when your child is 4 years of age
- if you have concerns about your child's vision or hearing at any time, take your child for an assessment
- if your child does have a hearing or vision problem, finding it early is good for their learning and development
Hearing checks for preschool children
Your child will have a hearing check as part of their B4 School Check.
You will get the results of this screening in the mail or your child will bring them home with them. The information you receive explains the results of the screening and how your child can get a further assessment, if they need it.
See the HealthEd website for information about what happens when the screening done as part of routine Well Child health checks indicates the need for further assessment. This information is also avaliable in Tongan, Korean, Chinese Traditional and Hindi.
Well Child Tamariki Ora Programme
What if my child doesn't have their hearing screened when they are 4 years old?
If your child doesn't have their hearing screened at 4 years of age, it's important they have this screening in their first year at school. This screening picks up most hearing problems.
If your child missed their screening, contact your child's school to make sure the vision hearing technician screens your child on their next visit.
See the HealthEd website for information about things to keep an eye on in relation to your child's hearing. This information is also available in Tongan, Māori, Korean, Chinese Traditional and Samoan.
Will my child have another hearing check when they are at school?
After your child has their hearing checked at 4 or 5 years of age, they will not have another hearing check at school.
If you are concerned about your child's hearing, it's important that you visit a health professional. Your health professional may refer your child to the hospital for an assessment by a hearing specialist (audiologist).
If your child does have a hearing problem, finding out early is good for their learning and development.
Vision checks for preschool children
Vision and hearing technicians will screen your child for lazy eye (amblyopia) as part of the B4 School Check.
Your child will either 'pass' this screening or they will get a referral for a full assessment.
You will get the results of this screening in the mail or your child will bring them home with them. If your child needs further assessment, the results will explain what you need to do.
Signs and symptoms of vision problems
Your child may have a vision problem if they:
- have learning or reading difficulties
- are clumsier than usual for their age
- screw their eyes up or tilt their head to see
- have frequent headaches
Your child will not have their vision checked again until they are in Year 7. If you are concerned about your child's vision or eyes, make sure you take your child to an optometrist or ophthalmologist. If your child does have a vision problem, finding it early is good for their learning and development.
Signs Of Vision Or Eye Problems In Children
Passing vision screening
Screening doesn't cover all vision problems. It won't tell you if your child needs glasses.
Remember, screening doesn't cover all vision problems. The vision test checks for a big difference between your child's eyes. It won't tell you if your child needs glasses.
Some tamariki (children) who passed this screen may have other vision problems or could develop a vision problem later.
See the HealthEd website for information about things to keep an eye on regarding your child's vision. This information is also available in Māori, Chinese Traditional, Chinese Simplified, Korean and Hindi.
Referral for a full vision assessment
See the HealthEd website for information about a referral for a full vision assessment for your child. This information is available in Samoan, Tongan, Hindi, Korean and Traditional Chinese.
What if my child doesn't have their vision screened when they are 4 years old?
If your child doesn't have their vision screened for lazy eye (amblyopia) at 4 years of age, it's important they have this screening done in their first year at school.
If your child missed their screening, contact your child's school to make sure the vision hearing technician screens your child on their next visit.
This screening does not find all vision problems.
What if I have questions about my child's vision screening?
If you have questions about your child's vision screening, call the Ministry of Health's free 24-hour health advice service, Healthline (0800 611 116) or talk to the vision hearing technician who screened your child, an optometrist, ophthalmologist or a health professional.
Healthline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0800 611 116. Call Healthline if you need advice about a child of any age who is unwell, hurt, or has any symptoms of sickness. It's free to callers throughout New Zealand, including from a mobile phone.
