Every day, parents guide their children through significant milestones—learning to crawl, walk, speak, and toilet train. Yet when it comes to vision and vision skills, many feel uncertain. As Gary Rodney, founder and creator of Smart Vision Optometry and Master of Optometry, Behavioural Optometrist and Fellow of the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (FIAOMC), explains: “Parents instinctively recognise physical milestones, yet vision and vision skills underpin everything from academic performance to social engagement—and it’s often overlooked. In fact it is estimated that 80% of information for learning comes through the visual pathway so it is the MOST important system to get right”
What’s Behind the Delay?
Many children begin school a step behind peers—not due to understanding, but because their visual systems aren’t keeping up. “If print appears blurry or unclear, or even if it is an effort to keep it clear but we can so we never notice the blur, the classroom becomes overwhelming,” says Rodney. “It can lead to learning issues and a reluctance to participate.” Children may hesitate to read aloud, avoid games, or struggle with subtle behavioural concerns that stem from effort to maintain clear vision.
Common Conditions That Affect Children’s Eyes
Refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness) are well known; collectively, refractive conditions impact at least 12% of children aged 0–14 years in Australia, based on chronic eye condition data AIHW. However, optometric screenings reveal that refractive issues account for only about 11% of vision-related problems, with the majority stemming from functional or perceptual deficits such as convergence insufficiency or accommodation lag Optometry Australia. These are known as vision skills rather than clarity of sight.
These issues may manifest as:
- Struggling to sustain focus on close work
- Using mental effort to sustain visual concentration
- Difficulty tracking text while reading
- Fatigue during near tasks
Recognising the Warning Signs
There are a range of subtle and overt cues that may suggest a child is struggling with vision:
- Holding reading materials closer then 30cm , or sitting uncomfortably near the television
- Using a finger to follow lines of text
- Losing place while reading or skipping lines
- Squinting, tilting the head, or closing one eye to compensate for blurry or misaligned sight
- Eye-rubbing or complaints of sore eyes—often misattributed to fatigue or allergies
- Headaches, particularly during or after visual tasks
- Avoidance of reading, colouring, digital tasks, or sports—perceived as behavioural issues but often tied to visual discomfort
Adds Jacquie Gattegno, Orthokeratologist and Principal Optometrist at Eyes InDesign Smart Vision Optometry Bondi: “I’ve seen children labelled ‘unmotivated’ when really they just couldn’t see properly or without effort The strain can manifest as frustration—even reluctance to learn.”
Why Functional Vision Matters
Vision screenings at school primarily detect refractive errors, yet miss many functional challenges. These issues—such as binocular vision problems or poor accommodation—can affect up to 25% of school-aged children in some assessments Optometry Australia. Conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye), which affect up to 2% of children, also go undetected without full binocular assessment Wikipedia.
Understanding this, accredited Smart Vision Behavioural Optometrists emphasise comprehensive evaluations like a Smart Vision Comprehensive Vision Skills Assessment, not just sight clarity. Early diagnosis allows personalised wellness treatment programmes—whether that’s glasses, vision therapy, or Smart Vision behavioural strategies.
The Stakes: Learning, Behaviour, and Wellbeing
Vision is central to learning. A study in JAMA Ophthalmology found that children who received glasses improved their reading and maths scores, especially among vulnerable groups Verywell Family. On the flip side, unaddressed functional vision issues can mimic symptoms of ADHD, including inattention or restlessness. In many cases, vision therapy corrects these issues, potentially reducing reliance on medication New York Post.
Safe Screen Habits for Healthy Vision
In our screen-driven world, eye strain is increasingly common. Experts recommend:
- Taking a 10 minute break for every 20 – 30 minutes of sustained close viewing.
- Looking out the window for a second every 5 minutes of sustained close viewing.
- Prioritising regular eye exams—beginning before school age and continuing every two years if no issues arise
- Limiting continuous near work and encouraging outdoor play to support eye development
How Smart Vision Optometry Can Help
Smart Vision Optometry offers a comprehensive eye-health pathway for children and adults, blending technology with personalised care:
- Smart Vision Comprehensive Vision Skills Assessment: A detailed evaluation uncovering both refractive and functional vision impairments
- Advanced Eye Health Test: Checks for early signs of retinal defects or degeneration.
As Rodney emphasises: “We’re here to support children’s success—not just via clearer vision, but by empowering their ability to learn, play, and thrive.”
Gattegno adds: “Quite often, improvements in vision transform not just school performance, but also confidence and behaviour—that’s hugely rewarding.”
Take Action Today
If you or your child shows any of the signs listed above—or hasn’t had a full eye assessment in the past two years—don’t wait. Book a Smart Vision Comprehensive Vision Skills Assessment or Advanced Eye Health Test for them today.Book an appointment, or call the Bondi clinic on (02) 9365 5047 or the Mosman clinic on (02) 9969 1600.
