Good vision is one of the most important foundations for a child’s growth. From learning to walk to reading their first book, children rely heavily on their eyesight to understand the world around them.
Yet, in Fiji, many children go through the early years of life without ever having their eyes examined.
This lack of awareness can lead to late detection of vision problems that, if caught early, could have been easily corrected. Ensuring regular eye examinations is not only a health decision — it is an investment in a child’s future.
Eye development begins from birth, and this early stage is crucial. Most parents are surprised to learn that the first eye examination is recommended at around six months of age. Although babies cannot speak, a trained optometrist can assess their eye alignment, focus, and general visual response using specialised paediatric techniques.
Early examinations can detect conditions like congenital cataracts, severe refractive errors, or eye muscle problems.
If left untreated, these issues can affect the child’s vision permanently.
The next important eye check should be around three years old. This is a stage when children begin identifying shapes, colours, and letters.
Vision problems at this age may slow down developmental progress. Detecting issues such as amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (squint), or astigmatism early allows for effective treatment.
For example, lazy eye, if treated before the age of seven, has a very high success rate. After this age, the eye becomes harder to train, and vision loss may become permanent.
Before a child starts school—around the age of five or six—it is vital to have a comprehensive eye examination. At this stage, clear vision is directly linked to learning. Research shows that up to 80 percent of classroom learning relies on good eyesight.
A child who cannot see the board clearly, struggles with reading, or loses interest quickly may not have a behavioural issue — they may simply have an undiagnosed vision problem.
Today, an increasing number of children are exposed to tablets, smartphones, and televisions from a very young age. Extended screen time can lead to symptoms like eye strain, headaches, burning sensations, and intermittent blurred vision.
In some cases, long hours of near work may contribute to the global rise of myopia (short-sightedness), affecting millions of children worldwide.
Parents should also be aware of behavioural signs that may indicate a child is struggling with their sight.
These include frequent eye rubbing, squinting, sitting very close to the TV, holding books too close, covering one eye, tilting the head to see better, or losing their place while reading.
In school, a child with undiagnosed eye problems may appear distracted, slow in class work, or uninterested in reading.
Because children often assume their vision is “normal,” they rarely complain — even when they cannot see well. The responsibility lies with parents and caregivers to stay alert.
Eye conditions in children are often treatable when detected early.
Glasses may correct refractive errors, patching therapy can improve lazy eye, and early intervention can prevent long-term visual impairment.
Optometrists play a crucial role in this process by providing accurate assessment, treatment, and monitoring.
In Fiji, as access to healthcare improves and parents become more informed, eye health for children must become a priority.
A single eye test could reveal a problem that might affect a child for years.
By ensuring regular check-ups — at six months, three years, and before school — parents can give their children the gift of clear vision and a strong start in life.
Good vision opens doors to learning, confidence, and opportunity.
It is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to support a child’s future.
n Tshering Dorjee is a Consultant Optometrist at Asgar & Company – Suva
