East Gippsland Newspapers 4 2026 Wednesday, May 27, 2026 Clear vision, better learning School vision screenings can miss important issues. Schools sometimes offer screenings to help identify students with vision problems, but the examinations do not always detect every issue. The screenings are brief and limited checks designed to pick up obvious and straightforward problems. School vision screenings can miss up to 75 per cent of students with vision problems. Tola Touch from Eyecare Plus said screenings are valuable, but they are not the same as a comprehensive examination conducted by an optometrist. The most common test carried out in schools assesses focus and clarity, but vision is far more complex than that. "Parents need to know that eye exams should be part of a normal back-to-school routine," Tola said. "Especially if parents have never had any eye issues themselves, they might not think about taking their children for testing." Australian researchers have found around 30 per cent of school-aged children have a vision disorder. These can range from myopia (short-sightedness) to astigmatism. Left untreated, refractive errors like these can cause amblyopia, better known as "lazy eye". Vision problems can also mimic learning disorders such as ADHD, leading to potential misdiagnosis. According to a 2016 study of 75,171 children in the United States, children with vision problems were twice as likely as other children to be diagnosed with ADHD. "I think it's important to note that kids might not understand or be able to tell a parent they do not see well," Tola said. "They do not know anything different. That is all they have ever seen. Their whole life may be blurry. They do not realise there could be a difference, so getting a complete review from an optometrist experienced with children is essential." Optometrists at Eyecare Plus assess the overall health and function of the eyes, which is far more thorough than a basic screening. According to a 2019 report, fewer than 15 per cent of preschool children had received an eye examination. So, how often should your child be tested? Eyecare Plus recommends children aged three to five receive a thorough in-person eye examination from an optometrist to ensure healthy eye development and no evidence of disease. From six to 18 years of age, it recommends children receive an eye examination every year as part of the back-toschool routine. Tola Touch added parents should also schedule an appointment with their child's optometrist if they notice their child squinting, rubbing their eyes frequently, moving closer to or further away from objects to see clearly, or experiencing headaches that may be caused by eye strain. "It's just good to check," he said. "Because even if you do not find anything, at least you have peace of mind." Eyecare Plus recommends children aged three to five get an in-person eye examination to ensure healthy eye development and no evidence of disease. For those six to 18 years of age, it’s recommended an eye examination should be carried out every year. More than a school Nestled in the beautiful surrounds of East Gippsland, Toorloo Arm Primary School continues to provide a caring, inclusive and dynamic learning environment for local children and families. Located just 5km east of Lakes Entrance, the school proudly serves the communities of Lake Tyers Beach, Lakes Entrance and Lake Bunga. The school is guided by four core values - Respect, Resilience, Ready to Learn and Collaboration - which underpin all aspects of school life. Students are supported to develop the skills, confidence and knowledge needed to become valued members of the community. With six classroom groups and specialist programs in Art, Physical Education, STEM and Language and Culture, students are offered a broad and engaging learning experience tailored to their individual strengths and needs. A strong partnership between school and home remains central to the school's philosophy. Staff believe children achieve their best when teachers and families work together in a supportive and cooperative environment, with open and honest communication helping to build positive relationships. As an important hub within the local area, the school actively encourages involvement from families and the wider community, fostering a strong sense of belonging and connection for all students. For families seeking a welcoming regional school with a strong community spirit, Toorloo Arm Primary School continues to be a proud part of the East Gippsland community. Toorloo Arm Primary School provides a caring, inclusive and dynamic learning environment for its students. The school serves the communities of Lake Tyers Beach, Lakes Entrance and Lake Bunga. 315 Lake Tyers Beach Road, Lake Tyers Beach, 3909 www.taps.vic.edu.au Phone: 5156 5517 Email: toorloo.arm.ps@education.vic.gov.au TOORLOO ARM PRIMARY SCHOOL OUR SCHOOL VALUES Excellence, quality & persistence | Truth, trust & honesty | Relationships, humour & inclusion TOORLOO ARM PRIMARY SCHOOL LEARNING TOGETHER, SUCCEEDING TOGETHER At Toorloo Arm Primary School we believe that all students can learn given time and support. We have a learning culture that is focussed on high expectations and where individual growth is celebrated. Our programs foster students’ academic, social, emotional and physical development. We build respectful relationships through a range of wellbeing programs, creating an environment where you and your family will feel welcomed, included and respected. GET THEM ASSESSED LOOK FEEL
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