Sight problems in primary school children are remaining undiagnosed for years due to insufficient eye checks. The head of the University of Auckland's School of Optometry and Vision Science, and chair of Eye Health Aotearoa, estimates one in ten children in New Zealand needs glasses and don't have them because screening is inadequate. Professor Steven Dakin says vision problems can go unchecked for years, and short sightedness, and long sightedness are not part of pre school testing. He advocates a nationwide mobile school screening programme, so children who have correctable vision problems can be treated.
Listen to Professor Steven Dakin's discussion with Kathryn Ryan, Nine To Noon, RNZ National.
Reactions