1:30min
Momentum is building for universal preschool vision screening in Victoria, with Government and Opposition parliamentarians joining eye health leaders at Parliament House late last month to hear the evidence for a reform that could help ensure every child starts school ready to learn.
Hosted by Optometry Australia and sponsored by Ms Bronwyn Halfpenny MP, the parliamentary briefing brought together Members of Parliament, clinicians, educators and representatives from across the eye health sector to discuss the benefits of introducing universal vision screening for Victorian four-year-olds.
The event featured remarks from The Hon. Maree Edwards MP, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, The Hon. Harriet Shing MP, Minister for Health, Ambulance Services and Water, and Ms Georgie Crozier MLC, Shadow Minister for Health, Ambulance Services and Medical Research, demonstrating strong cross-party interest in children’s eye health ahead of the Victorian election.
Optometry Australia Victorian State Lead Dr Isaac Curkpatrick said the level of engagement from parliamentarians demonstrated growing recognition that children’s vision is both a health and education priority.
‘Today’s discussion showed strong interest from across Parliament in ensuring Victorian children have the best possible start to school. Good vision is fundamental to learning, development and participation, yet thousands of children may begin school with undiagnosed vision conditions. Universal preschool vision screening is a practical, evidence-based reform that can help ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive,’ Dr Curkpatrick said.
The briefing provided parliamentarians with an opportunity to hear directly from clinicians, educators and eye health leaders about the importance of early detection and intervention in protecting children’s vision and supporting their learning and development.
The Hon. Maree Edwards MP, The Hon. Harriet Shing MP and Ms Georgie Crozier MLC also made remarks at the event, highlighting the importance of ensuring children can access timely eye care in their early years.
Proceedings opened with a Welcome to Country by Thane Garvey, followed by a presentation from Professor James Armitage, Professor of Optometry and Head of Vision Science at Deakin University and Associate Head of School (International and Partnerships) in the School of Medicine, who outlined the evidence supporting early vision screening.
Professor Armitage said many childhood vision conditions are difficult to detect without screening because children often don’t know that their vision is impaired.
‘Vision plays a fundamental role in how children learn, communicate and engage with the world around them,’ Professor Armitage said.
‘Universal preschool vision screening provides an opportunity to identify children who need further assessment during the critical period when treatment is most effective, helping to prevent avoidable lifelong vision impairment.’
The briefing concluded with a closing address from the Hon Jenny Mikakos, a former Victorian Minister for Health and Minister for Early Childhood, and current Optometry Australia Board director. Ms Mikakos, delivered a strong call for governments of all persuasions to support universal preschool vision screening, describing the proposal as “a no-brainer”.
Drawing on her experience across both the health and early childhood portfolios, Ms Mikakos said the reform was a practical, cost-effective investment that would deliver lifelong benefits for Victorian children.
The event highlighted that Victoria is the only mainland eastern state without a universal preschool vision screening program.
While New South Wales has operated its Statewide Eyesight Preschooler Screening (StEPS) program since 2008 and Queensland is progressively rolling out Healthy Kindy Kids, Victoria currently relies largely on vision screening delivered through the Maternal and Child Health 3.5-year Key Ages and Stages visit.
Approximately 46 per cent of eligible Victorian children attend this appointment, meaning many children may begin school without having had their vision screened.
A 2026 Flinders University study found that 17 per cent of children in a Year 3 school-based sample had an undiagnosed vision condition, with 2.5 per cent identified as having amblyopia, commonly known as lazy eye.
If similar rates apply in Victoria, this could equate to around 2,000 children in each age cohort living with amblyopia, some of whom may not be identified early enough and could miss the critical window for effective treatment.
The proposal is endorsed by a coalition of leading child and eye health organisations, including Vision 2020 Australia, Orthoptics Australia, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO), and leading Victorian optometry and orthoptics education providers.
Optometry Australia, together with the coalition of eye health stakeholders, is calling on all parties contesting the 2026 Victorian election to commit to funding and implementing universal preschool vision screening for every Victorian four-year-old through kindergarten and pre-prep settings, supported by clear referral and follow-up pathways.