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Published on KidsHealth NZ (https://kidshealth.org.nz)

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Vision Problems In Children

Key points to remember about vision problems in children

  • if you have concerns about your child's vision at any time, take your child for an assessment 
  • if your child does have a vision problem, finding it early is good for their learning and development

What are the signs of a vision problem?

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, or
  • have frequent headaches

If you are concerned about your child's vision or eyes, it is important that you visit an eye-care professional.

Visiting your hospital eye clinic is free but you may need a letter from your family doctor to get an appointment. You may have to wait before you get an appointment.

There will be a cost to visit your local optometrist - there is some help available for families.

If your child does have a vision problem, finding it early is good for their learning and development.

What will it cost if my child has a vision problem?

If your child has a vision problem, there is a spectacles subsidy which can help with the costs of your child's:

  • eye test
  • glasses (frames and lenses)
  • eye patches
  • repairs

The subsidy is available for:

  • any of your children, aged 15 or under
  • but only if you have valid Community Services Card or your child has a current High Use Health Card

For more information about this subsidy:

  • see the Ministry of Health's website page on the children's spectacle subsidy [1] and the pamphlet Children's spectacle subsidy (PDF, 6.94MB) [2]
  • contact Enable New Zealand on 0800 17 1981 or email enable@enable.co.nz [3]

Thumbnail image of a pamphlet [2]

This page last reviewed 15 August 2019.
Email us [4] your feedback


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Source URL: https://kidshealth.org.nz/vision-problems-children

Links
[1] http://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/services-and-support/disability-services/types-disability-support/hearing-and-vision-services/childrens-spectacle-subsidy
[2] https://www.health.govt.nz/system/files/documents/topic_sheets/childrens-spectacles-subsidy-2270-8jan-2020.pdf
[3] mailto:enable@enable.co.nz
[4] https://kidshealth.org.nz/contact?from=http%3A%2F%2Fkidshealth.org.nz%2Fprint%2F520