A list of external eye care providers can be found here.
Video Links
Home Visual Acuity Testing
Watch this video to learn how to test your child's vision at home using the Visual Acuity Chart.
To test the visual acuity of your child at home, please print off the documents below and watch the video before you start testing.
Fact sheets
A visit to the eye doctor
Amblyopia
Cataract
Children and glasses
Cortical visual impairment
Cysts (chalazia)
Delayed visual maturation
Diabetes and the eye
Droopy Eyelid (Ptosis)
Dyslexia/Learning disabilities
Electrodiagnostic Testing (ERG, VEP)
Eye Turn (Squint, Strabismus, Misaligned eyes)
Glaucoma in infants and young children
Glaucoma in children - RCH information sheet for parents
Lazy eyes (amblyopia)
Myopia Consensus Statement 2023 (World Society of Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus)
Nystagmus
Retinitis Pigmentosa
Retinoblastoma
Retinopathy of Prematurity
Squint Surgery
Treatment of Retinopathy of Prematurity
Watery eyes
White Pupil in Photo
What should I do if I think my child has an eye or vision problem?
You should contact your local GP or Optometrist if you think your child has an eye or vision problem. Click here to read information on what to do if you think your baby has crossed eyes or white pupils.
After examining your child they will decide if your child needs to be seen by an eye doctor (Ophthalmologist).
If they think your child's problem is urgent, they will contact us directly, otherwise they will send us a referral letter based on our
referral guidelines.
Your child will be placed on a waiting list. You may also choose to have your child examined locally by an external eye care provider.
External resources for patients and families
The
Australian Childhood Vision Impairment Register
The Australian College of Optometry. Providing collaborative eye-care with the RCH.
Cataract Kids Australia - Established to improve support for children with cataracts and their families, to enhance clinical care and build connections with research across Australia.
Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) is a UK based trust which focuses on support, awareness, research and influence.
Do you think your baby has crossed eyes or a white pupil? Click here to find information on what to do.
Educational Vision Assessment Clinic (EVAC) Students who have significant vision loss are eligible to receive additional educational support from the Statewide Vision Resource Centre (SVRC) and Visiting Teachers for Vision Impaired with the Department of Education and Training (DET).
Glaucoma Support Groups:
Guide Dogs Victoria Provide a wide range of services and support for Victorians with low vision or blindness.
La Trobe University Eye Clinic Providing collaborative eye-care with the RCH.
Melbourne Eyecare Clinic at the University of Melbourne. Providing collaborative eye-care with the RCH.
The Renwick Centre Podcast, Episode 48, Sandra Staffieri - Occlusion Therapy in Children - Tips, tricks, and everything in between.
Vision Australia Is a national provider of blindness and low vision services in Australia.
World Eye Cancer Hope (WE C HOPE) Aim to increase awareness and access to existing treatments and evidence based care and compassionate family support through education, empowerment and enabling.
NDIS funding applications - useful links
www.ndis.gov.au/contact/locations
www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis
www.guidedogsvictoria.com.au/get-support/support-for-early-years Guide Dogs Victoria can provide support and assist with NDIS applications
www.visionaustralia.org/services/children Vision Australia can provide support and assist with NDIS applications