Eye Examinations for Pre-schoolers

If child is not having any vision problems prior to pre-school age, then shouldn’t need to go for any eye exam.

Both my children had their first eye check up in their kindergarten. Twice, which was during K1 and K2… Prior to the eye exam, children will bring back a letter and consent form for parents to sign in allowing their children to be examined. A report will be duly given on the day of the eye exam itself, done during school hours.

The letter will indicate the organisation conducting the eye exam, and what kind of exam will be done in usually a week or two. This helps parents ensure their children will be in school on the said date of the eye exam. There will be additional memo for parents, whose children are required to go for follow up eye test at their GP or the Polyclinic.

Both my children also had their eye exam done (free) during their 4-yr old developmental assessment at the Polyclinic. During this time, children are encouraged to know all the alphabets. Apart from it being a part of a child’s milestone it also assists in the efficiency of the eye exam itself.

Both my children had to go for follow up, so we went to Polyclinic. P2 was diagnosed as having mild astigmatism. When i asked what that actually meant, the lady said in layman terms, the eyeball not exactly round. At that statement, i looked at P2 and joked with her, "Oh gosh! Your eyeballs are SQUARE!" Lady was a little tickled and continued to explain that, it meant P2 more often had to rely on one to look at her surroundings or the school whiteboard. If there were some written notes on either left or right side of the board, she tends to turn her head to look at them. If she looks straight and tries to take a look at the notes, it’ll be sort of produces a blurry effect in vision… Some sort like that lah, how she explained.. Not in exact words tho. Was sent off with results from the astig test which was done twice just to be sure she said.. (how sweet) and no glasses required.

K2 was diagnosed as heavily myopic at 4 years old (Polyclinic Exam). But doc said too early to put her on glasses. Not such a good idea… Sent us back with a follow up letter to return in 6 months time. Was told to give her lotsa carrots to eat! And look at greenery as much as she can to help improve… Pray and pray it does improve cause she may need to don glasses for sure.

After 6 mths, it was slightly better. Doc still said he’ll want us to monitor her reading and viewing the tele habits. Ensure good posture during reading and writing, also reminded to provide sufficient lighting during such activities. No follow up required as by the next 6 mths, she will be doing her eye exam in K1. The people will have a detailed assessment sent to the Polyclinic for the next one. And if her vision test shows no improvement, off spectacle hunting it wud be…

At K1, test came back…. Perfect vision.

Now… i wonder, how’d that happen… heheeehe… Laughing

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bÜds