1:30min
With the March 2026 South Australian State Election fast approaching, South Australian State Lead Cassandra Haines is partnering with local eye health leaders to drive advocacy that puts children’s eye health firmly on the agenda.
This election is a pivotal chance to ensure that every South Australian child has access to vision screening in pre-school, with pathways into care where needed.
Why this matters
Undiagnosed vision conditions can have lifelong impacts on children’s learning, development, and wellbeing. Research by Flinders University (2021–2023) found that 17% of Year 3 children failed a vision screening due to an undiagnosed vision condition, most commonly refractive error. Early detection is critical. As optometrists, you already know that conditions like amblyopia can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated in the early years, and significant refractive error negatively impacts school performance and wellbeing.
Correcting children’s vision is also one of the most cost-effective health interventions available. International and interstate evidence demonstrates the effectiveness and affordability of universal screening.
The current gap in South Australia
At present, South Australia does not provide universal pre-school vision screening. While vision checks are included in the Child and Family Health Service (CaFHS) health and development check for 4–5 year olds, only an estimated 40% of children access this service, and follow-up care is inconsistent. This means too many children are starting school without essential vision problems being identified and addressed.
Our proposal
Together with local eye health leaders including Dr Jo Black (RANZCO), we are calling on the South Australian Government to commit to a universal pre-school vision screening program for all four-year-olds in South Australia, delivered through kindergartens and long day-care centres. Such a program must include robust referral and follow-up pathways, connecting families with SA Health services and community optometrists as appropriate.
Aligning with South Australian priorities
A universal vision screening program would align with the South Australian Preventive Health Strategy and the First 1000 Days priorities, ensuring equity of access and giving all children the best possible start to life. It would also bring South Australia in line with other mainland states and territories, such as New South Wales, Western Australia and Queensland, that already have, or are implementing, universal vision screening.
Next steps
Later this month, Cassandra and Dr Joanna Black (Ophthalmologist, RANZCO) are hosting a launch event to draw attention to their joint proposal for universal vision screening, calling for urgent government investment in universal pre-school vision screening.
This event will spotlight the power of local, cross-sector collaboration, share lived experience from those impacted by early detection and demonstrate the opportunity for the South Australian Government to partner with the eye care sector to deliver evidence-based, child-focused vision screening for South Australian kids.
Spaces are limited, but members interested in attending this event are invited to RSVP here.
Optometry Australia will continue to meet with political leaders and stakeholders in the lead-up to the election to secure a commitment for this essential program. We will keep you updated on opportunities to get involved and if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Cassandra at policy@optometry.org.au.