Optometry Australia (OA) says a modest $1.1 million annual investment could prevent lifelong vision impairment for up to 18,000 South Australian children, making universal pre-school vision screening one of the most cost-effective health decisions the State Government could take.
In a media release, OA said amblyopia was time sensitive and if it was not detected and treated early, the
opportunity to correct it could be lost forever.
Early detection didn’t just improve eyesight, OA said, it changed learning, confidence and life outcomes.
OA, alongside the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO), Orthoptics Australia and leading eye health experts in South Australia, has formally presented a proposal for universal four-year-old vision screening to the Health and Wellbeing Minister Chris Picton.
The recommendation was currently under consideration, the release said.
Optometrist and South Australian state lead for Optometry Australia, Cassandra Haines, said early screening was one of the smartest investments governments could make.
“Universal pre-school vision screening is evidence-based, affordable and delivers lifelong benefits,” she said.
“Children are poor historians. Many don’t realise they can’t see properly, and families often have no idea there’s a problem until learning and confidence start to suffer. By then, we may have missed the best treatment window.
“For around $1.1 million a year, South Australia could screen 18,000 preschoolers. In government terms,
that’s a tiny spend with a massive return.”
Simple vision conditions, if missed early, can lead to permanent impairment and years of avoidable
challenges in the classroom.
OA said universal pre-school screening was a practical, proven way to support children’s development and reduce long-term health and education costs.
“This is a classic case of paying a little now to avoid paying a lot later,” Haines said.
“The question isn’t why fund it. It’s why wouldn’t you.”
