Vision Problems in Children

Since it is school holidays I thought I would publish a checklist for parents and teachers.  The following signs may indicate a vision problem in children:  
·         Frequent blinking
·         Red or watery eyes
·         Sensitivity to light
·         Frequently rubbing the eyes
·         Complaints of headaches
·         Complaints of blurred or double vision 
·         One eye turns in or out while the other points straight ahead
·         Difficulty concentrating
·         Squinting or sitting very close when watching television
·         Holding a book very close to read
·         Difficulty learning to read
·         Leaving out or confusing words when reading
·         Covering or closing one eye
·         Tilting head noticeably
·         Difficulty recognising familiar people in the distance

If you suspect that a child may have a vision problem please take them to an optometrist to get their eyes tested.  Kids eye examinations are not painful - they're fun and a lot of the tests are like playing games.