Don’t Overlook Your Eyes this World Health Day
Eye health is one of the most important and most undervalued aspects of overall health. An eye test is quick, non-invasive, and offers invaluable peace of mind.
Celebrating World Health Day
World Health Day occurs annually on April 7th, marking the anniversary of the foundation of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 1948. It’s an occasion for global health awareness in general, as well as an opportunity to highlight particular areas of concern. Each year since 1950, WHO has chosen a theme to prioritise and bring worldwide attention to with the goal of affecting real change.
This year, the World Health Day theme is:
Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures
This represents an emphasis on maternal and newborn health. Statistics from WHO illustrate the ongoing importance of such a theme, with nearly 300 000 women losing their life due to pregnancy or childbirth annually, and more than 2 million babies passing in their first month of life. With a spotlight on these issues, now is the time for global collaboration to improve the overall quality of care for mothers and babies.
Your Annual Health Reminder
This World Health Day highlights the importance of better healthcare for children and mothers—so why not take a moment to consider your own family’s health? Routine check-ups, including eye tests, can often be overlooked in the pace of daily life. Regular eye exams aren’t just about checking vision clarity—they also help detect underlying health issues that may go unnoticed. The good news? Medicare makes these essential tests accessible, with most eye exams bulk billed for valid cardholders.
Use this annual event as a reminder to look after the health of those you care about and book an eye test for your family today.
Healthy Eyes, Healthy Beginnings
While some eye diseases become more prevalent as we age, vision impairment can also affect children, resulting in lasting consequences for their development if not addressed. This includes issues such as amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), and myopia (short-sightedness).
Children may not always recognise or be able to express their vision difficulties, which is why regular eye tests are so important. Early detection allows for prompt diagnosis and timely management, helping to prevent potential issues from affecting their development and learning.
Smart Solutions with MiYOSMART
Myopia has been steadily increasing in Australia, partly due to more time spent on ‘near work’ activities at home, school, and work. Children may struggle to see the whiteboard in class or have trouble tracking the action on the sports field—early signs that an eye test could be beneficial.
Therefore, the introduction of a successful lens choice, aimed at tackling myopia, MiYOSMART lenses has been groundbreaking in slowing the progression of myopia in children. Fitted to normal glasses frames, these speciality lenses represent innovative technology in a child-friendly form. Speak to an independent optometrist at your nearest Optical Superstore location to discover more about myopia control for children, or visit our MiYOSMART page.
How Important are Routine Eye Tests?
If you have a glance around the room and determine all is well with your eyes since objects and faces are clear and visible, you’re potentially missing eye diseases which develop silently such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
Regular eye tests are essential for children, helping to prevent long-term vision issues and ensuring their eyesight doesn’t impact learning or social development. It’s recommended that children have an eye test before starting school, followed by regular checkups every few years—or more often if advised by their optometrist.
Early detection is the best kind of detection. Book an eye test now, or explore our article here for more information on diseases your optometrist may screen for.
How Often Can You Have a Bulk Billed Eye Test?
Most eye tests are bulk billed to Medicare. Your age determines how frequently you’ll be covered for a comprehensive eye test.
Valid Medicare cardholders are eligible for a comprehensive eye exam:
- Every three years if under the age of 65.
- Every year if 65 years or older.
However, eye problems do not arise according to a specified schedule. If you notice new changes in your vision – anything from general blurriness to floaters, flashes, and double vision – schedule an appointment right away, even if you’re not due for a test. Medicare allows additional eye tests for eligible persons.
If you’d like to know more, speak to our helpful staff at 1300 626 774 or ask in-store for expert advice on how and when to get your vision tested.
What Tests Might an Optometrist Perform?
Optometrists tailor their care to each patient’s eye health needs, which may include additional tests or scans based on your initial exam results. Bulk billing applies to many services but varies depending on the test. For the latest details on Medicare coverage, speak with our friendly Optical Superstore staff in-store or over the phone. If a test requires an additional fee, your optometrist will always inform you before proceeding.
Further services your optometrist may perform include:
- Digital retinal imaging
- Visual field tests (VFT)
- Dilated fundus examinations (DFE)
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
- Contact lens consultations
- Blephasteam and dry eye-related services
They can also provide referrals for ophthalmology, submit Fitness to Drive paperwork, perform employment-specific eye tests such as Navy and aviation, and connect you to services including DVA, Centrelink, Health Direction, and Vision Australia. Optometrists are your first point of contact for any eye-related health concerns.
Your Eye Health is Our Focus at Optical Superstore
World Health Day shines a spotlight on maternal and newborn health—but its impact lasts all year. Show your support for this important cause while also taking a simple step toward protecting your family’s eye health. A routine eye test is quick, easy, and essential for lifelong vision care.
Schedule an appointment at your nearest Optical Superstore through our online booking portal or give us a call on 1300 626 774.
