Free eye tests for kids in January

66 per cent of the parents who had taken their child to the optometrist said their child needed prescriptive eyewear. Photo / Thinkstock

Rotorua children will be eligible for free eye tests in January as part of Specsavers Kids Go Free initiative.

Children throughout New Zealand will be eligible for the free eye exam at any Specsavers store next month after less than half of parents surveyed by the company had taken their child for an eye exam.

The new initiative, Kids Go Free, is designed to help combat the issue.

Specsavers optometrist Philip Walsh said it was imperative for parents to put a free eye exam on their "back-to-school" checklist considering the impact poor eyesight can have on a child's development.

"Eight really is the magic number when it comes to children's sight. As much of a child's development takes place before the age of eight, it can be much harder to correct any problems after that. Even conditions such as a squint or lazy eye can lead to long-term problems that can require surgery if not diagnosed before that age."

Of 750 parents recently surveyed, less than half reported they were aware of the potential developmental issues that could arise if children do not have their eyes examined regularly.

Mr Walsh said these statistics were worrying, especially considering 66 per cent of the parents who had taken their child to the optometrist said their child needed prescriptive eyewear, reinforcing the importance of the health check.

Specsavers optometrists recommend children have their eyes examined at least once every two years from the age of three. As they continue to develop and change they may require more regular eye exams.

The offer is for all children up to the age of 16 for a free comprehensive eye exam including digital retinal photography, a powerful tool that screens for abnormalities.