You asked

How can I help my child develop good eyesight?

There are lots of things you can do to help your child develop good eyesight. There are things you can do from birth right up to when they are happy school children. These include:
 
Newborns and babies
 
  • place toys within focus of your baby's eyes (20 to 30cm away)
  • Talk to your baby as you move about the room (this will encourage her eyes to follow you as she hears your voice)
  • Hang a brightly coloured mobile over her cot.
  • Give your baby toys to look at.
  • Encourage your baby to crawl as this encourages hand-eye coordination.
Toddlers
  • Help your child to play with puzzles, balls and building blocks.
  • Read aloud to your child which will help her prepare to learn how to read.
  • Encourage colouring and drawing as this helps develop hand-eye skills also.
Children 
 
  • Encourage walking 
  • Help your child play with building blocks, modelling clay and puzzles.
  • Provide opportunities to explore both indoors and outdoors.
  • Allow them time to paint, colour and draw
Always check to make sure toys are age appropriate before letting your child play with them and make sure to schedule regular eye exams for your little one!

More questions

Children's eyes are sensitive so it is vital to protect them from the sun's harmful rays.
Your young child can have their eyes tested even if they can't read
Regular eye exams are essential in order to monitor your child's eyesight.
There are some signs to watch out for if you think your child may have a vision problem. 
Should your child get any kind of chemical in her eye you should treat it as an emergency and bring her to the hospital immediately.
You should take your child to their G.P. or to the hospital if you notice any of these symptoms. 
You should seek immediate medical attention if an object seems to be imbedded in your child's eye. 
If your child appears to have something in his eye you should seek immediate medical attention if it is imbedded in the eye. 
As your baby learns to crawl and begins to explore her surroundings you will need to child proof your house to prevent eye injuries.
Babies and young children are always getting up to all sorts of mischief and eye injuries are quite common. It is important to always consult with your G.P. should any eye injuries occur. 

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