Optometry Victoria South Australia (OV/SA) has called the absence of funding for universal pre-school vision screening in the 2026–27 Victorian Budget a missed opportunity, after calling on the Victorian Government to invest in a simple, evidence-based reform that would support children’s learning, development, and long-term eye health.
Without universal screening, many Victorian children may continue starting school with undetected vision conditions such as amblyopia, strabismus, and refractive error – despite these issues being highly treatable when identified early, OV/SA said.
Children often cannot articulate poor vision, and many adapt silently, meaning families may be unaware a problem exists until learning or behavioural impacts emerge.
OV/SA is now calling on all parties to make a formal pre-election commitment to fund and implement universal pre-school vision screening in Victoria.
Victorian State Lead at Optometry Australia, Isaac Curkpatrick, said the case for action remains strong.
This is a missed opportunity to back children with a practical, evidence-based reform.
“This is a missed opportunity to back children with a practical, evidence-based reform. A child’s vision underpins school readiness, confidence, and development. No child should start school at a disadvantage because a treatable vision issue went unnoticed.”
OV/SA said it had advocated for universal pre-school vision screening as a “modest, high-return” preventive health measure that complements Victoria’s broader early childhood reform agenda.
Screening delivered through kindergartens and early learning settings would improve access for busy families and support greater equity across metropolitan, regional and disadvantaged communities.
“Other states have already introduced structured early childhood vision screening programs,” Mr Curkpatrick said.
“Victoria should be leading, not lagging. With a state election ahead, we’ll continue taking this case to government and all parties because Victorian children deserve the best possible start.”
OV/SA welcomed the Government’s continued support for the Glasses for Kids program but said it was not a substitute for universal vision screening before children start school.
