Begin Being

When we moved to Guangzhou in 2023, enrolling Kaijie in preschool required a routine health check, including an eye exam. At 3.5 years old, his eyesight was measured at 6/9 in the right eye and 6/12 in the left. The doctors reassured us that this was within the normal range for his age since vision continues to develop in young children.

Earlier this year, during a visit to Singapore, we took Kaijie for another checkup. Now 5.5 years old, his eyesight remained the same. This time, the doctor gave us a referral to a children’s eye specialist for a more detailed assessment. Though not an urgent concern, it was a sign to look deeper into his eye health.

Steps We’ve Taken So Far

1. Gathering Professional Input – Since opticians do not prescribe glasses for children his age unless absolutely necessary, we decided to follow up with a specialist in China. This will help us understand if there’s anything more we should be doing.
2. Lifestyle Adjustments – We’ve reinforced daily habits that support good vision, including:
   • Limiting screen time, especially in dim lighting.
   • Encouraging outdoor play, as natural light is beneficial for eye health.
   • Ensuring he maintains proper reading distance and posture.
3. Staying Observant – For now, we’re monitoring any changes in his vision and checking in regularly with professionals for guidance.

Reflections: What This Experience Reinforced

Parenting often presents situations where we don’t have immediate answers, and that’s a space many of us are familiar with—not just in parenting, but in life in general. Here are a few broader takeaways from this experience:

1. Act, but don’t overreact – Not every challenge requires immediate intervention. Sometimes, observation and small adjustments are the best approach.
2. Control what’s within reach – Whether it’s eye health or any other concern, focusing on daily habits and preventive care can be more effective than searching for a quick fix.
3. Seek clarity, not just certainty – It’s natural to want definitive answers, but in many cases, staying informed and adaptable is more realistic than expecting complete certainty.

If you’ve navigated similar experiences with children’s eye health, I’d love to hear what worked for you. We’ll share updates after our upcoming specialist visit.