Children’s Vision Screening Program

FACTS about Children’s Vision

Did you know?
80% of a child’s learning is processed through their eyes.

Along with allergies and asthma, eye disorders are the most common long-term health problems suffered by children. 

 

In fact, 1 in 5 children have an undetected vision condition. It is important to pick up any problems as soon as possible to reduce the impact on their development.

Most children will accept vision problems and adapt to their poor vision. They rarely complain as they believe everyone sees the world just like they do and don’t know that they could be seeing things clearer.

All children should have a full eye examination before starting school and then regularly as they progress through primary and secondary years of their education.

 We believe that LEHP’s national Children’s Vision Screening Program is the most comprehensive screening program available in the country.

Our free Vision Screening is provided to children from 3 years old, in childcare centres, schools, sporting clubs or community groups.

What Screenings are performed

Spot Vision Screener

To detect any vision issues associated with:

  • Myopia (nearsightedness)
  • Hyperopia (farsightedness)
  • Astigmatism (blurred vision)
  • Anisometropia (unequal refractive power)
  • Binocular Vision (eye misalignment)
  • Anisocoria (unequal pupil size)

The Spot Vision Screener is a state of the art piece of equipment that takes a photo of the child’s eyes. It screens for Myopia, Hyperopia, Astigmatism, Anisometropia, Strabismus and Anisocoria. A technical report is produced, that can be downloaded from the device.

Example of Results from Camera

Visual Acuity

Purpose: To determine how sharp vision is a longer distances.

Visual Acuity is tested using a Lea Symbol Chart. From a 3m distance, the child is asked to the read symbols on a chart. They are asked to perform the task with both eyes together and then separately with their left and right eyes. This helps to determine how sharp vision is at longer distances.

Colour Vision Perception

Purpose: To determine if the child perceives colour as most people do.

Colour Vision is checked by asking children to identify the numbers on different coloured backgrounds, which determines whether colours are being perceived normally.

Stereo Depth Perception

Purpose: To assess the binocular function of the eyes at near tasks.

Depth Perception is observed using an image of a fly and animals in boxes. Wearing 3D glasses, the child is asked if they can see the fly jumping out at them and which animal is trying to escape from their box. This shows if a child can determine distances between objects and sees the world in 3D.

Children’s Screening Results

Results

Personalised letters are written and addressed to the relevant parent/guardian. In this letter the results of the screenings are identified, highlighting any areas of concern that should be referred on to an Optometrist for further examination if required.

Who Conducts the Screenings

Screeners are Lions or community volunteers who have completed training approved by Centre for Eye Health.

Total Children Screened

Children Referred onto an Optometrist

Is there a Lions Screening Team near you?

The current location of Screening Volunteers can be seen here.

Reported Future Vision Screening Sessions

Date Club District Screening Location
28-10-2025 McLaren Vale C2 Parndarna Primary School – Kangaroo Island
15-09-2025 Tully/Ingham Q2 Ingham State School
10-09-2025 Devonport-Mersey & Kentish T1 Andrews Creek Primary School – Wesley Vale
3-09-2025 Torrens Valley C1 Williamstown Primary School
27-08-2025 Rocky Cape T1 Montello Primary School – Burnie
26-08-2025 Cairns Marlin Coast Q2 Mossman State School
19-08-2025 Tully/Atherton Q2 Millaa Millaa Primary School
13-08-2025 Warrnambool V2 Koroit Kinder
11-08-2025 Australind WA Eaton Primary School
8-08-2025 Australind WA Glen Huon Primary – Bunbury
6 & 7-08-2025 Blackburn V5 St Frances Xavier Catholic PS – Box Hill
5 & 8-08-2025 Cairns Marlin Coast Q2 C & K Kindergarten – Balaclava
5 & 6-08-2025 Kallangur Q3 Petrie State School
4-08-2025 Warrnambool V2 Woolsthorpe Primary School
4-08-2025 Morayfield Q3 Somerset Hills State School
30-07-2025 Australind WA Australind Primary School
30-07-2025 Blackburn V5 Kerrimuir Primary School – Box Hill North
29 & 30-07-2025 Morayfield Q3 Deception Bay State School
23-07-2025 Naracoorte C2 Bordertown & Mundulla Primary Schools and Carol Murray Children’s Centre
23-07-2025 Australind WA Maiden Park Primary – Bunbury
23-07-2025 Morayfield Q3 Burpengary Meadows State School
21-07-2025 Cairns Marlin Coast Q2 Caravonica State School – Cairns
11-07-2025 Tahmoor N2 NAIDOC Family Fun Day