A $1.1 million annual investment in universal pre-school vision screening in South Australia could prevent lifelong vision impairment for up to 18,000 children, according to Optometry Australia (OA).
The proposal, formally presented to Health and Wellbeing Minister Chris Picton, calls for screening of all four-year-olds. OA argues that early detection of conditions like amblyopia – commonly known as “lazy eye” – is time-sensitive and crucial for effective treatment. If left untreated, the opportunity to correct these vision problems can be lost permanently.
“Universal pre-school vision screening is evidence-based, affordable and delivers lifelong benefits,” said Cassandra Haines, Optometrist and South Australian state lead for Optometry Australia. “Children are poor historians. Many don’t realise they can’t spot 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.”
Amblyopia develops when one eye doesn’t develop normal vision during childhood, often due to the fact that of unequal focus between the eyes. The brain then begins to favor the stronger eye, effectively “tuning out” the weaker one, according to information from Eyecare Plus Optometrists. This can lead to permanent vision problems if not addressed early.
OA, alongside the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) and Orthoptics Australia, emphasizes that simple vision conditions, if missed, can lead to significant challenges in education and beyond. The organization frames the investment as a cost-effective measure, arguing that early intervention reduces long-term health and education expenses.
“This is a classic case of paying a little now to avoid paying a lot later,” Haines stated. “The question isn’t why fund it. It’s why wouldn’t you.”
The South Australian government is currently considering the proposal. The NSW government already operates a similar program, StEPS (State-wide Eyesight Pre-schooler Screening), to guide amblyopia screening guidelines, according to information from Mivision.
