6 Aug 2021

Detecting lazy eye in pre-schoolers

From Nine To Noon, 9:25 am on 6 August 2021
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Photo: Adobe stock/supplied

A new way of detecting lazy eye in pre-schoolers, that doesn't require four year olds to sit still and answer questions, is being trialled by a group of Māori led childcare centres in South Auckland. 

Rather than a chart-based testing system, the new device tracks the movement of children's eyes.

The device has been designed by Dr Jason Turuwhenua, principal investigator at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute. 

Lazy eye, or Amblyopia needs to be treated before it becomes a permanent condition.

If lazy eye isn't caught before the age of seven, it becomes a 'wiring' problem, between the brain and the eye. 

Dr Turuwhenua explains to Kathryn Ryan this is also an opportunity to get a better understanding of eye health in the community.