New Delhi, 12 December, 2024 – Childhood is a time of exploration, learning, and development, with vision playing a key role in shaping these experiences. However, many childhood eye disorders go unnoticed until they significantly impact a child’s quality of life. Early detection and timely intervention can make all the difference in safeguarding a child’s vision and ensuring their success in academics, social interactions, and daily activities.
Children often cannot articulate vision problems or recognise the world differently than they should. This makes regular eye exams and vigilance from parents and teachers critical. Vision issues such as near-sightedness, lazy eye, and even cataracts, when detected early, can be corrected with effective treatment strategies. These conditions, if left untreated, can hinder academic performance, disrupt social interactions, and cause long-term complications that may affect a child’s overall development.
Dr. Rishi Raj Borah, Country Director, Orbis (India) emphasises, “Vision is an essential part of a child’s development, yet issues often go unnoticed until it’s too late. Regular eye exams from an early age can catch conditions like amblyopia or strabismus before they lead to permanent damage. Parents should also watch for warning signs such as frequent eye rubbing, squinting, or difficulty focusing. Early action doesn’t just preserve eyesight—it supports a child’s learning, confidence, and social growth, paving the way for a brighter future.”
Parents and caregivers play a pivotal role in ensuring their child’s eye health. Proactive measures such as scheduling comprehensive eye exams, being vigilant about potential warning signs, and seeking timely medical intervention can make a transformative difference. Beyond medical care, creating awareness about the importance of good vision at home and school helps children thrive in all aspects of life.
Investing in early eye care is an investment in a child’s future, giving them the clarity they need to achieve their full potential. By acting early, parents can ensure that their children’s journey of growth and learning is unhindered by vision problems.
