By Marjan – Optical Dispenser & Director, Spex Design Optometrist

If your child spends hours on their tablet, phone or gaming console—you’re not alone. It’s the world we live in. Screens are part of everyday life, both for learning and for downtime. But as someone who’s worked in eye care for years, I can tell you this: our kids’ eyes were not designed for this much screen time.

And we’re starting to see the effects—especially in the form of myopia (short-sightedness), which is rising sharply in children.

Myopia Is On the Rise, and It’s Starting Younger Than Ever

The stats are eye-opening. The Brien Holden Vision Institute estimates that by 2050, nearly half the global population will be myopic. In Australia, we’re already seeing more children needing glasses, and at younger ages.

This isn’t just about blurry vision. Left unmanaged, myopia can lead to serious issues later in life—macular degeneration, glaucoma, and even vision loss. But the good news is: with early diagnosis and the right management, we can help slow the progression.

Does Your Child Really Need an Eye Test?

Here’s something I tell every parent who walks into our practice:
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, or if your partner does—your child should have their eyes tested. Genetics play a big role in vision, and it’s better to be proactive than reactive.

Even if your child hasn’t complained about their sight, that doesn’t mean everything’s fine. Kids often adapt without realising there’s a problem, especially if it’s all they’ve ever known.

Signs Your Child May Be Struggling With Their Vision

• Squinting to see the whiteboard or TV
• Sitting very close to screens
• Frequent eye rubbing or blinking
• Headaches or tired eyes after reading
• Difficulty focusing or concentrating

Even one of these signs is enough reason to book an eye exam.

What We Do Differently at Spex Design

At Spex Design Optometrist, we don’t just tick boxes and move on. We work closely with our optometrists to deliver comprehensive, child-friendly eye tests in a calm, welcoming space.

We take the time to explain everything to both you and your child. We assess how their eyes are working, check for signs of myopia, and recommend tailored solutions if needed—including specialised myopia control lenses to help slow down the progression.

Practical Tips for Parents

• Have their eyes tested annually—especially if there’s a family history of vision issues.
• Encourage breaks from screens using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Promote outdoor time. Just 90 minutes a day outdoors can help protect against myopia.
• Ask us about the latest myopia control options—there’s more available now than ever before.

The Sooner, the Better

I know life is busy. But a proper eye test is one of the most important health checks your child can have—especially in today’s screen-filled world. The earlier we detect changes, the more we can do to protect their sight and confidence.

If you’d like to book an appointment or simply chat about your child’s needs, I’d love to help.

Warmly,
Marjan
Optical Dispenser & Director
Spex Design Optometrist – North Perth