July 2010     Leading eye experts are stressing eye health checks must begin at birth to ensure treatable conditions are diagnosed early, as new research findings reveal over two-thirds of Aussie kids under four (69%) have never had their eyes checked.

Seventy-five per cent of vision loss is preventable or treatable, yet every 65 minutes an Australian loses part or all of their vision.

The Eye Foundation Board Director and Paediatric Ophthalmologist, Professor Frank Martin, states regular checks from birth are critical to maintain optimal eye health: “In children an eye examination should occur at birth, at the six week and twelve month checks and vision screening at pre-school.”

Adding further cause for concern, the findings also reveal nearly half (42%) of mums have never discussed their child’s eye health with a healthcare professional,  prioritising sleep (16%), weight and growth (15%) and immunisation (15%) over the development of delicate organs – the eyes (7%) and ears (7%). This could be because over half (59%) of mothers are not aware the developing eye undergoes many complex anatomical changes, particularly in the first six months.

These findings are being announced in the lead-up to JulEYE (1 -31 July), an initiative by The Eye Foundation which urges all Aussies to prioritise their eyes.

Jacinta Spurrett, CEO of the Eye Foundation says: “It can be easy to forget about eye health and when there are so many competing health priorities as children grow and develop it’s important to keep an eye on eye health. Eye health should be a priority for all Australians, regardless of age”.

“Eyes are so incredibly important to daily life and optimum health really starts from birth…parents should feel at ease going to their health care professional…they should ask questions about children’s eye health.”

“Aussie parents should talk to their health care professional first and foremost, whether it’s a GP, pharmacist or nurse about the best way to look after their children’s eye health so that the right checks and examinations are really in place from birth.”

From information provided by The Eye Foundation, June 28, 2010.

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