In 2026, our Prep Vision Screening program is celebrating 10 years and more than 400,000 screens in Queensland schools.
The free vision screening for Prep students helps to detect vision problems early, including conditions like amblyopia (also known as ‘lazy eye’), which affects about two in every 100 children. It’s also the leading cause of preventable blindness in Australian children.
Each year, the vision screening nurses visit more than 1,500 state, Catholic and independent schools across Queensland, helping children get the support they need before vision problems affect their learning.
Since the program started in 2016, more than 30,000 children have been advised to have their eyes checked by an eye health professional after a possible vision concern was found during screening. About 80 per cent of those children were later confirmed to have a vision problem.
Primary School Nurse Health Readiness Program Nurse Unit Manager Rachel Keel said the program helped set children up for success at school.
"Undetected vision issues in a child's early years can affect concentration, confidence and behaviour in the classroom, which can influence learning outcomes," Ms Keel said.
“Children’s eyes are always developing, so identifying issues early gives us the best chance to treat conditions effectively."
"Early detection can change a child's life. It helps them engage fully at school and in everyday activities."
Ms Keel said families were often surprised when a screening identified a concern because young children do not always realise their vision is impaired.
"Young children don't always recognise or communicate that their vision isn't clear, so parents are often unaware there's a problem until it is picked up through screening," she said.
The screening takes around five minutes and is conducted at school using two non-invasive screening tools; a card matching game and a photograph of the eyes. Parents can choose to attend the screening if they wish and will receive a letter with the results.
Learn more about the prep vision screening program or read the prep vision screening media release.
ENDS