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

Should my child wear sunglasses?

Children's eyes are sensitive so it is vital to protect them from the sun's harmful rays.

How often should my child's eyes be checked?

Regular eye exams are essential in order to monitor your child's eyesight.

What are the symptoms of eye conditions in children?

There are some signs to watch out for if you think your child may have a vision problem.

What should I do if my child gets something poisonous in his eye?

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.

What if I can't get an object out of my child's eye?

You should seek immediate medical attention if an object seems to be imbedded in your child's eye.

What should I do if my child gets something in his eye?

If your child appears to have something in his eye you should seek immediate medical attention if it is imbedded in the eye.

How can I make my house safe for my child's eyes?

As your baby learns to crawl and begins to explore her surroundings you will need to child proof your house to prevent eye injuries.

Can I treat an eye injury myself?

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.