Dr Maanda Mabogo, Ophthalmologist

August is Children Eye Health Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of eye health for children. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 19 million children in the world are visually impaired, and of those, 12 million could have their vision restored with proper eye care.

Good vision is essential for learning, playing, and interacting with the world around us. However, many children, especially those in rural areas, do not have access to the eye care they need.

In rural areas, it might be difficult for people, especially children, to get eye care. Distance is a problem since eye care providers, who are often based in cities and suburbs, are frequently extremely far away from these remote areas. Families may find it challenging to travel so that their children can receive more frequent eye exams due to this.

Another major issue for most South Africans is cost; eye treatment may be expensive, and as the majority of the people are living in poverty, this can make it difficult for them to get their children the eye care they need. Instead, they must rely on government hospitals, where there are sometimes lengthy waiting lists.

In general, it has to do with raising awareness because a large portion of the population that relies on public health isn’t even aware of the significance of eye health or the warning signs and symptoms of eye issues. Children may end up lacking necessary attention as a result of this.

Children’s lives can be significantly impacted by untreated visual issues. They may impair a child’s capacity for learning, play, and activity participation. They might also result in social exclusion and low self-esteem.

There are a number of initiatives that we can undertake to improve eye care in marginalized communities. In order to help families afford quality eye care, the government and other important partners in the health sector can work together to give financial assistance.

Mobile eye clinics can routinely visit rural areas to offer eye care services, but the main emphasis must be on educating people about the value of eye health and how to see the signs and symptoms of eye disorders so they can seek treatment when necessary.

There are numerous signs that a child can have visual issues. These include:

• Frequent rubbing of the eyes and complaints of itching eyes
• Holding books or other objects close to the face.
• Difficulty seeing in dim light.
• Frequent headaches
• Shows abnormal head position
• Blinks more than normal
• Squints or squeezes eyes.

Take your child to an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) if you see any of these symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment of visual issues can aid in preventing long-term issues.

Children’s development, learning, and general well-being depend on having good vision. We can ensure that our kids have the chance to see and realize their full potential by taking proper care of their eyes.

Dr Maanda Mabogo is Ophthalmologist and a Fellow of The College of Ophthalmology of South Africa.  She is in private practice in Pretoria and Thohoyandou.

She has a special interest in thyroid eye disease and orbital tumours.  Along with oculoplastic and orbit conditions, Dr Mabogo also manages general ophthalmology conditions including performing cataract surgery.