Parents are being urged to book their children in for a back-to-school eye test after it was found increased screen time during the pandemic was putting a strain on children's eyes.
New research released by Specsavers also found parents were not treating their children's eye health as a priority, despite increased screen time, which could lead to digital eye strain.
Specsavers said an increase in remote learning last year led to a significant rise in the number of children presenting with digital eye strain.
Specsavers Rockdale optometrist Helen Lee said virtual and screen-based learning meant children and teens were spending more time on their laptops and tablets than ever before.
"I've noticed a significant rise in the number of children presenting with digital eye strain," she said.
"We recommend Rockdale parents bring their child to see an optometrist for a routine eye test before they begin school.
"An eye test for your child should be a part of that back-to-school checklist, even if you aren't concerned about any changes in their vision or they don't wear glasses."
Specsavers estimates that as many as 60,000 Australian children and teens have missed having an eye test due to COVID-19.
Specsavers optometrists recommend parents take their child for a routine eye test before they begin school and at least every two years afterwards, unless otherwise directed by an optometrist.
If a child complains about headaches, blurred vision or any issues with their eyes, it is recommended parents book an appointment with an optometrist straight away rather than waiting until their next check-up.
In the Rockdale area alone, Specsavers says there are 1804 children and young adults between the ages of five and 19 who may have missed an eye test and detection of the most common problems of short and long-sightedness.
The research also revealed that Australian parents were managing their children's eye health differently, depending on the age of the parent.
While eye health was reported as a concern across all generations of parents, especially relating to screen time, this concern was not leading parents to seek professional advice, with 14 per cent of parents of children aged 5 to 17 not acting when their child experienced or complained about an eye issue.
The research found 76 per cent of parents in NSW are most concerned about the amount of time their children or teens spend on screens and 64 per cent said their child had experienced or complained about an eye issue.
Specsavers optometrist Greeshma Patel said: "It's incredibly important for parents to monitor their child's eye health closely as they begin to return to the classroom and seek advice from an expert if your child comes to you complaining of itchy, irritated eyes or blurred vision.
"In a children's eye test, we typically look for signs of refractive error such as long and shortsightedness and astigmatism.
"We also assess for signs and symptoms of digital eye strain, squinting and other ocular health issues.
"As children's eyes are still developing during their schooling years, it's important to identify any potential issues early so they can be corrected or managed.
The research also found:
- The most common eye issues experienced by children in NSW are dry or sore eyes (30 per cent); headaches or tired eyes (24 per cent); itchy eyes (20 per cent); sore eyes (18 per cent); problem seeing things in the distance (17 per cent).
- Mothers are more likely to report their child has experienced or complained of a problem with sore eyes and headaches or tired eyes compared with dads.
- Older parents are more likely to say children should only have an eye test when they have an issue with their sight or eyes. In contrast, millennial parents are more likely to say they should have an eye test more often than once a year.
- Older parents are more likely to say their eldest child has never had an eye test compared with younger parents.
- 81 per cent of parents believe their child would let them know if they were experiencing issues with their eyes or vision.
Details: To book an eye test visit Specsavers or click here.
