Myopia Management Sutherland Shire
Myopia management Sutherland Shire families can access close to home helps slow down how quickly a child’s short-sightedness gets worse, rather than only correcting their vision.
Myopia (short-sightedness) usually starts in childhood and often progresses as children grow.
At Glassery Optometry, our therapeutically endorsed optometrists provide myopia management for children and teenagers from our practice at Bay Central, Woolooware, just minutes from Cronulla, Caringbah and Miranda. Every assessment starts with a bulk-billed Children’s Eye Test or Comprehensive Eye Test.
Why Myopia Management Is Important
Myopia has become more common in children over recent decades, including here in the Sutherland Shire. Research has linked higher levels of myopia in adulthood to an increased risk of some eye conditions, such as:
- Retinal detachment
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Myopic macular degeneration
Myopia management aims to slow how quickly a child’s myopia progresses. Myopia tends to progress fastest in younger children, which is why an early assessment is generally recommended.
Myopia Management Sutherland Shire: What’s Included
Bulk-Billed Eye Examination
All eye tests at Glassery Optometry are bulk billed. Our myopia management Sutherland Shire appointments start with a full vision and eye health check for your child.
Prescription & Progression Tracking
We measure your child’s prescription accurately and track how it changes at each visit, so we can see whether myopia management is working.
Eye Coordination & Focusing
We assess how both eyes work together and how your child focuses up close. This helps your optometrist decide which management option is most suitable.
Lifestyle & Risk Factor Review
We talk through screen time, near work, time outdoors and family history of myopia, as these all play a part.
Ocular Health Examination
Digital retinal imaging lets us check the health of the back of the eye and keep a record for future comparison.
Our optometrists hold a Bachelor of Vision Science and Master of Optometry (B.Vis.Sci./M.Optom.) from Deakin University, are therapeutically endorsed and each have over 10 years of experience.
Want to know what happens during your child’s appointment? Visit our Children’s Eye Testing Services page to see what’s involved in a kids’ eye test.
Myopia Control Lenses
We work with Essilor, ZEISS and Nikon, which means we have access to the full range of myopia control spectacle lenses they offer, including Essilor Stellest and ZEISS MyoCare.
These lenses look like normal glasses but are designed to help slow the progression of myopia in children.
Every child is different. Myopia control lenses cannot reverse myopia, and results vary from child to child.
As part of myopia management Sutherland Shire wide, your optometrist will explain the options, their benefits and limitations, and recommend what is appropriate for your child’s age, prescription and lifestyle, with regular reviews to monitor progress.
You can choose frames from our range of over 30 eyewear brands, including durable kids’ frames by Augie kids eyewear.
Screen Time, Outdoor Time & Myopia
Long periods of close work on phones, tablets and books, combined with less time outdoors, are linked to myopia in children. Simple habits can help:
- Spend time outdoors in daylight every day
- Take regular breaks from screens (the 20-20-20 rule)
- Hold devices and books at a comfortable distance
- Keep up regular eye tests
For more on screen-related symptoms, see our page on digital eye strain.
Signs Your Child May Be Short-Sighted
Children often don’t realise their distance vision is blurry. Book an eye test if you notice your child:
- Squinting to see the board, TV or signs
- Sitting very close to the TV or holding devices close
- Headaches or eye rubbing
- Losing interest in sport or activities that need distance vision
When Should Children Have an Eye Test?
Optometry Australia recommends children have an eye examination before starting school, and regularly after that. If your child is short-sighted or has a family history of myopia, your optometrist may recommend more frequent reviews, often every six to twelve months, as part of myopia management Sutherland Shire families can rely on.
All eye tests at Glassery Optometry are bulk billed, so regular eye examinations for Sutherland Shire children have no out-of-pocket cost. Lens and frame costs depend on the option chosen.
Myopia Management Sutherland Shire FAQs
What age can myopia management start? Myopia management is usually recommended for children and teenagers whose eyes are still growing. Your optometrist will advise what suits your child.
How much does an eye test cost? All eye tests at Glassery Optometry are bulk billed. Read more about eye test costs.
Do myopia control lenses look different? No. They look like normal glasses and can be fitted into a wide range of frames.
Book Myopia Management in the Sutherland Shire
If your child is short-sighted, or you have noticed changes in their vision, book myopia management Sutherland Shire families trust at Glassery Optometry, Bay Central, Shop 126/453A Captain Cook Dr, Woolooware NSW 2230.
We look after families across the Sutherland Shire, including Cronulla, Caringbah, Miranda, Sylvania, Gymea, Kirrawee and Sutherland. Call (02) 8044 3360 or book online below.
The information on this page is general in nature and does not replace an individual eye examination. Any treatment recommendation is made after assessing your child.