Rising Digital Activity Among Children: The Importance of Early Eye Examinations
Intense use of digital devices among children is increasingly a concern for eye health. From digital learning to tablets, smartphones, and televisions, close-up visual activity makes the risk of vision disorders more complex than in previous generations.
Despite the rising risk, parental awareness of routine eye examinations for their children remains relatively low. Yet undetected vision problems can hinder various aspects of a child’s development, including learning, reading, and motor development.
To meet this challenge, pediatric vision screening has emerged. Unlike adult eye checks, this approach is tailored to children’s needs. It focuses not only on refractive outcomes (myopia, hypermetropia, astigmatism) but also on visual development, communication ability, and the child’s psychological comfort.
A practical implementation of this approach was seen in a child vision screening programme conducted by Optik Tunggal at the Next Generation store in Kelapa Gading 3, North Jakarta, on 16 May 2026. The programme targeted 5–12-year-olds with optometrists specialised in pediatric vision care.
Dr. Scarlett Cacayuran Salva, O.D., a pediatric optometrist from Centro Escolar University, Manila, acting as expert advisor, emphasised that children often do not realise their vision problems. ‘Children may not understand what clear vision looks like, and therefore seldom complain.’
According to Dr. Salva, early detection is crucial because untreated vision problems can affect a child’s future across many areas. Early intervention helps ensure healthy visual development, which directly supports their long-term quality of life.
Doli Rosmiaty, Operational Director of Retail at Optik Tunggal, added that comfort is the key to examining children. At the Next Generation store, the environment is designed so as not to stress children. ‘Children need an environment that makes them feel safe first. We have built a pediatric vision care space that considers the child’s experience holistically, from child-friendly interiors to educational communication methods,’ she explained.
With a focus on psychological safety, the child’s first eye examination is intended to be a positive memory. This is important to foster independent eye health habits into adulthood.
The article also notes that psychologists emphasise parental roles in managing the duration and content of children’s digital use from an early age for optimal development, and mentions the need to understand regulation such as Government Regulation PP No. 17 of 2025 to protect children in the digital world.
Poll data cited in the piece show that 91% of respondents already limit their children’s gadget time, and 83.6% regularly monitor their children’s digital activity. A pediatrician from RSCM Kencana noted that devices are not the cause of ADHD or autism; rather, genetics and neurotransmitter balance are involved.