Healthy Young Eyes: World Children’s Day 2025

What is World Children’s Day?

Every year on 20 November, we celebrate World Children’s Day – an occasion to recognise the importance of youth’s rights and welfare, and a call to create a brighter future for every child. The date marks the anniversary of the UN Declaration of the Rights of the Child (1959) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989), reinforcing international commitments to the 54 fundamental rights designed to ensure safe, healthy and happy childhoods worldwide.

This year’s theme highlights the right to play, a vital part of childhood that nurtures learning, creativity and connection. Yet, for millions of children affected by conflict, displacement and inequality, opportunities for play are impeded. On November 20th, families, schools, and communities are encouraged to champion spaces where every child can thrive, explore, and simply be a kid.

The Importance of Eye Health from an Early Age

Among the rights set out in the UN Convention is Article 24, which recognises “the right of the child to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health.” A crucial aspect of wellbeing not to be overlooked is a child’s eye health.

While eye health is often associated with ageing, vision issues do affect children and, in our increasingly digital world, cases of myopia (short-sightedness) are rapidly rising. In fact, the World Health Organisation projects that by 2050, nearly 2.5 billion people will experience myopia.

Clear sight plays a major role in a child’s development. When vision problems go undetected, they can affect confidence, focus and learning with academic and social consequences. Because children may not always realise or communicate that they’re struggling to see clearly, routine eye tests are essential. Parents and teachers may notice signs such as squinting, headaches, eye rubbing or lack of attention and professional eye exams can identify any issues with certainty.

At Island Optical, we’re here to help you protect your child’s vision. Our Hobart and Launceston stores provide space for independent optometrists to offer comprehensive children’s eye exams, many of which are bulk billed for eligible patients.

Cool, Confident and Classroom-Ready

Eyewear is an opportunity for your child to express their unique and evolving personality. Whether it’s their very first pair or a new look for the school year, Island Optical stocks a fun, colourful collection of children’s frames crafted for comfort, durability and play.

SPRINT 24S1P

Lightweight and full of energy, the Sprint 24S1P is a round, translucent plastic frame with adjustable temple tips for a secure fit through every playground adventure. And there’s plenty of scope for personalisation with blue, pink and purple designs available.

SPRINT 24S2

For the studious and the stylish, try this slender metal 24S2 from Sprint. With a round rim and minimalist design, this frame is ready for a long day of learning… and its available in both pale pink or mint green for smart, sharp style.

HI H22C1P

This acetate Hi H22C1P frame is positively bursting with personality, perfect for creative kids. With a square rim in your choice of clear, brown, blue or purple, the design features colourful, abstract patterns along the temples over a fun notebook-style grid.

EXPLORE 21EC2P

The Explore 21EC2P keeps things simple with a soft oval shape and radiant semi-translucent quality. Available in blue, brown, pink or purple, it all comes down to finding your child’s favourite shade.

See the Difference with Island Optical

Children’s eye health is a right, not a luxury. This World Children’s Day, take the opportunity to ensure your little one’s vision is clear and their eyes are healthy to give them the best chance in school, sports, on the playground and beyond.

Looking for an ‘eye test near me’? Island Optical is home to an outstanding range of bright and brilliant children’s eyewear while also providing space for independent optometrists to deliver trusted eyecare for all members of your family.

Scheduling a children’s eye test is quick and simple and could make a world of difference for your child’s sight. Book online today at Island Optical and give them the tools they need to enjoy a happy, healthy childhood.