19 November 2008

Free eye-screening for all 4 year olds in NSW

Premier Nathan Rees today launched a state-wide eyesight screening program for every preschooler in NSW.

Mr Rees said the State-wide Eyesight Preschooler Screening (StEPS) program will offer every four year old child in NSW free eye screening at their local preschool, day care centre or Child and Family Health Centre.

"With some eye conditions, early correction can avoid a lifetime of sight problems," Mr Rees said.

"It's a priority for my government to deliver new health care services for our children, so they can get the best possible start in life.

"We are investing just over $14 million in the StEPS program over the next four years to deliver better health services for every community.

"Specially trained nurses and staff have already begun visiting four year olds across the state to screen for any possible sight problems.

"It's about detecting problems early, so parents can get the help their child needs."

The StEPS program was developed after the success of the SWISH program, which offers free hearing tests to all newborn babies in NSW.

"If some eye problems in children are not treated before they turn eight, it's likely they'll have poor sight in that eye for the rest of their life," Ophthalmologist Dr Frank Martin said.

"It's very difficult for a parent or carer to pick up if a child has vision problems, as it can occur in just one eye and not affect their day-to-day activities.

"Research proves that if you have poor eyesight in one eye, you are two to three times more likely to lose the eyesight in your good eye, a situation we want to avoid," Dr Martin said.

NSW Minister for Health, John Della Bosca, said the program would be offered to every four year old in NSW through a staged roll-out.

"We hope to offer 84,000 children eye screening over the next year, by targeting pre-schools and child care centres," Mr Della Bosca said.

"Special needs children will also be included in StEPS and will have their sight screened using testing equipment specifically developed to suit them," he added.

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au