Optometry Australia (OA) says momentum is building for the introduction of universal pre-school vision screening in South Australia, with new national reporting highlighting the transformative impact of early detection.
A recent ABC News story, featuring a South Australian family whose child’s undiagnosed vision condition negatively impacted their child’s learning and confidence, has renewed public attention on the need for state-wide early eye health checks.
Optometry Australia, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO), and Orthoptics Australia and eye health leaders in South Australia have presented a joint proposal for universal four-year-old vision screening to the SA Health and Wellbeing Minister Mr Chris Picton.
Optometrist and SA state lead for OA, Ms Cassandra Haines, says early detection remains one of the most effective and affordable ways to support children’s development.
“Universal pre-school vision screening is evidence-based, cost-effective and can have lifelong impact,” Haines said.
“Far too many vision issues go undetected until they affect a child’s learning and confidence. A state-wide program would ensure every child starts school with the vision they need to thrive.”
SA ophthalmologist Dr Joanna Black agrees.
“The evidence is clear: early vision screening changes outcomes,” she said. “Simple conditions, if missed, can lead to permanent impairment and years of avoidable challenges in the classroom.
“Universal pre-school vision screening is a practical and proven way to support children’s development across the state.”
OA says undiagnosed vision conditions can significantly affect children’s learning, development and wellbeing.
Flinders University research (2021–2023) found that 17% of Year 3 children failed a vision screening, most commonly due to previously undiagnosed refractive error.
Conditions such as amblyopia could lead to irreversible vision loss if not treated early, while uncorrected refractive error directly affected educational outcomes, OA said.
SA remains out of step with the likes of Western Australia, New South Wales and Queenslan.
While the CaFHS 4–5-year-old check includes a vision assessment, only about 40% of children attend, and follow-up pathways are inconsistent.
A universal program would align with the South Australian Preventive Health Strategy, the First 1000 Days priorities, and the approaches adopted in New South Wales, Western Australia and Queensland, it said.
In the ABC News piece, South Australian mother Ms Carole Thornley described the life-changing impact of early detection, after her daughter Lucy was diagnosed with significant vision conditions that could have progressed without timely intervention.
“The screening referred her to see an optometrist, who diagnosed her with asymmetric hyperopia with astigmatism; conditions that, without early detection, could have led to a turned or lazy eye,” Thornley said.
