Optical2You
The Optical2You Vision examination service provides bulk-billed comprehensive ocular exams to children in childcare centres aged 3+ years. The program is managed and delivered by Dental2You and aims to address vision impairment issues at a young age improving healthcare outcomes with preventative care and outreach in pediatrics.
The vision examination program removes vision impairment as a barrier to education and achievement. By providing onsite services at childcare centers, we identify and address vision issues that might otherwise go undiagnosed, ensuring children can reach their full learning potential.
When you fill out the dental consent form, please fill in the optical section if you would like your child seen. We will automatically see children aged 3 years and older if the optical section of the consent form is filled out. If your child is younger than 3 years of age, and you have reason or concern to have your child’s eyes tested please text or call us so we can add your child to the list to be seen.
The optical visit will be held on a separate day to the dental visit and families will be notified by text so you can bring your child in if they do not attend on the day. An optical report will be emailed to the email address on the consent form after the visit.
Why is it important?
The vision examination program removes vision impairment as a barrier to accessing education and achievement. If left unaddressed, a vision impairment can affect the lifelong learning capabilities of a child. The program helps alleviate this problem by providing an onsite service to children at their childcare centre, addressing vision impairments that may have otherwise been undiagnosed.
Who can participate?
The program is delivered to targeted childcare centres, including your centre and children aged 3+ years. Examinations are bulk billed through Medicare, all children with a medicare card are eligible.
How does it work?
If you consent to any of your children tested, they will have a free initial vision examination at the childcare centre. If further eye testing is required, you can take your child to a local optometrist or Consider the Queensland Health Pediatric Optometry Alignment Program or consult your local optometrist for further evaluation and testing. A report will be provided upon completion of the exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does the initial screening and further testing?
Optical2You will be conducting the examination and testing sessions at your childcare centre. An AHPRA-registered optometrist will be on site to provide the vision examination services.
Do I have to sign and return a separate consent form for each of my children?
Yes, all children must have an individual signed consent form and completed eye health questionnaire to participate in the program. Our forms are dual forms for both optical and dental.
What is the eye health questionnaire?
The questionnaire is designed to help inform the initial examination and, if needed, further testing.
Can children with glasses be part of the program?
Yes, children who already have glasses can still be screened.
What if my child has been referred to an optometrist?
If you don’t have an optometrist, the report will provide information about a local optometrist in your area, provided that Optical2you has one available there. You can check the Queensland Health Pediatric Optometry Alignment Program website or consult a local optometrist for further evaluation and testing.
Remember to take the referral we give you to the appointment.
What if my child is under 3?
Due to Medicare regulations, we are only able to provide optical testing in childcare centres for children aged 3 years and older, as they need to be able to provide feedback during the examination. If your child is under 3, we’ll keep their information on file and will be happy to see them during one of our future visits once they reach the appropriate age.
If you have any concerns about your child’s eye health in the meantime, we recommend visiting your local optometrist. They can conduct the necessary tests in a clinical setting and bill directly through Medicare.