Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) is encouraging all parents of preschool children to get their eyesight tested for the early identification and treatment of vision problems.
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The Statewide Eyesight Preschooler Screening (StEPS) program is an initiative of NSW Health that offers free vision screening for all four-year-old children before they start school.
MNCLHD StEPS Coordinator Wendy Mutton said early screening can help to address vision issues in children, transforming lives, boosting education achievements and enabling them to reach their full potential.
"It is critical that this screening is provided to four-year-old children before they start school to maximise eye treatment and educational outcomes," Mrs Mutton said.
"This year's stay-at-home orders and online schooling may have increased the time children have spent on screens, potentially leading to short-sightedness (Myopia).
"We recommend applying the 20/20/20 rule when children are using screens. For every 20 minutes spent on a screen, look 20 metres away for 20 seconds.
"Children playing in an outdoor setting in natural sunlight for 1-2 hours a day has also proven to reduce the risk of becoming short-sighted."
StEPS nurses visit all preschools and long day care centres in MNCLHD throughout the year, with all centres in the area to receive a visit by December.
Free catch-up clinics for children who may have missed out on vision screening in 2021 are available at local Community Health Centres on the following dates:
- Port Macquarie - 26 October and 18 November
- Wauchope - 21 October
To make an appointment to attend a StEPS catch-up clinic, contact 6656 7061 or email MNCLHD-StEPS@health.nsw.gov.au