Look after your child’s eyesight – problems can often be prevented by early detection and treatment.
It is important to get your child’s eyesight checked at an early age to avoid other issues later on. When children have vision issues or become ill, and these aren’t treated in time, it could lead to a lifetime of hardship. Eyesight issues contribute to added pressure at school, for instance, fitting in and performing well. If problems aren’t caught early enough, it could mean vision loss or blindness. But 80% of all blindness is preventable or treatable, says Orbis Africa.
Read our article on how eyesight affects learning.
vision checks are essential
Read our tips on how to avoid eye strain.
noticing the problem
- their child sits too close to the TV
- child covers one eye to look at something
- red or watery eyes
- the child complains of headaches or sore eyes.
If a child is showing any of these signs, parents should have their eyes examined by a professional. Usually an optometrist would do the first examination. Optometrists are found in public sector hospitals and available privately.
More about how to protect your children’s eyes.
About Orbis
Orbis Africa is a non-profit organisation that works in Sub-Saharan Africa to reduce preventable and treatable blindness and visual impairment on the continent. The organisation is dedicated to saving sight in Africa by improving comprehensive eye health with a primary focus on children.