Over the past decade, the number of kids wearing glasses in Mumbai has increased dramatically. Walk past any school in Andheri, Bandra, or Goregaon and you’ll notice far more children with spectacles than ever before. This rise isn’t just because of genetics — it’s closely linked to modern lifestyle habits, higher screen exposure, and reduced outdoor time.
Today, nearly 1 in 4 urban Indian children require corrective lenses before the age of 12. That’s why prevention and early detection have become more important than treatment alone.
At Smart Vision Eye Centre (SVEC), the focus has always been on preventive care — helping children maintain healthy vision before problems begin.
Dr. Seema Behl
“When I see an 8-year-old struggling to see the blackboard, I know we’re looking at a much bigger issue than just a pair of glasses. Today’s children spend hours on phones and tablets — their eyes are adapting to a digital world faster than we are.”
“Our centre in Andheri East is equipped with world-class technology — from Topcon 3D OCT to Carl Zeiss microscopes — all designed to ensure precise diagnosis. At Smart Vision Eye Centre, our mission is simple: protect your family’s eyesight for life.”
“I completed my M.B.B.S. and M.S. from Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU Varanasi, and advanced cataract microsurgery training at Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai. Over the years, I’ve performed thousands of surgeries — from pediatric cataracts to complex glaucoma procedures. But my true focus today is education — helping parents understand that regular eye check-ups for children can change their future.”
“My 30 years in ophthalmology, including a decade at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, taught me one crucial lesson: prevention is everything. That’s why I founded Smart Vision Eye Centre — to make affordable, accessible, and preventive eye care available for every family.”
The Rising Trend of Kids Wearing Glasses in Mumbai
Digital learning, online homework, OTT shows, mobile gaming — today’s children spend hours looking at screens at very close distances. Their eyes rarely get the chance to focus on distant objects, which increases the risk of childhood myopia (near-sightedness).
Additionally, long school hours, indoor play, and lack of sunlight contribute to eye strain, dryness, headaches, and blurred vision.
Major Causes of Poor Vision in Children
Here is the corrected and medically accurate version:
1. Excessive screen time
Prolonged use of phones, tablets, and laptops strains young eyes and accelerates myopia progression.
2. Lack of natural sunlight
Outdoor light helps regulate healthy eye growth. Children who spend less time outside have a higher risk of vision issues.
3. Poor reading & posture habits
Reading in low light, lying down, or sitting too close to screens puts unnecessary strain on developing eyes.
4. Nutritional deficiencies
Low intake of vitamin A, omega-3, and other essential nutrients can affect visual development.
5. Delayed eye check-ups
Children often don’t complain even when vision drops. Uncorrected refractive errors can silently worsen over time.
The team at Smart Vision Eye Centre emphasizes that even small vision problems can affect concentration, academics, and confidence in school-going children.
Why Early Detection Matters Now More Than Ever
Children rarely realize they cannot see clearly — they simply adapt. That’s why routine pediatric eye screenings are essential.
At SVEC, the team uses child-friendly, non-invasive screening methods to detect:
✔ Refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism)
✔ Lazy eye (amblyopia)
✔ Squint
✔ Allergic eye conditions
✔ Early myopia progression
Early diagnosis allows timely treatment, preventing long-term damage and ensuring comfortable learning.
How Screen Habits Are Reshaping Young Eyes
With 6–8 hours of daily screen exposure becoming common, children are experiencing:
- Digital eye strain
- Frequent headaches
- Dry eyes
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Reduced attention or irritability
The SVEC team educates parents and kids on healthy screen habits like:
The 20-20-20 rule
✨ Proper lighting and posture
✨ Limiting recreational screen time
✨ Encouraging 1–2 hours of outdoor play daily
This lifestyle counselling is a core part of their preventive care approach.
What Makes Smart Vision Eye Centre Unique?
A child-friendly, comfortable space
The clinic is designed to be quiet, clean, and non-intimidating, helping children feel at ease during their eye examination.
Experienced ophthalmologists
While led by Dr. Seema Behl, the clinic functions through a team of qualified and compassionate eye specialists, ensuring comprehensive care for every child.
Prevention-first approach
SVEC was founded with a simple belief:
“Prevention must begin early to protect a child’s vision for life.”
Regular school camps, awareness programs, and parent counselling reflect this mission.
Accurate, reliable diagnosis
The clinic uses modern diagnostic systems operated by trained professionals — but instead of listing machines, the focus is on precision, safety, and child-appropriate testing.
Trust built over 25+ years
Thousands of families across Andheri, Powai, Vile Parle, and nearby areas trust SVEC for its ethical approach, transparency, and genuine concern for children’s well-being.
Patient Experiences
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Why are so many kids developing vision problems?
Answer: Because of increased screen usage, reduced outdoor play, and prolonged near-work activities.
Question: When should a child get their first eye check-up?
Answer: Around age 3, and then once every year — or sooner if symptoms appear.
Question: Can screens permanently harm a child’s eyes?
Answer: They can accelerate myopia progression, especially when not monitored.
Question: What are common signs that a child needs glasses?
Answer: Squinting, sitting too close to screens, blinking repeatedly, headaches, or dropping grades.
Question: How can parents prevent vision issues?
Answer: Outdoor play, reduced screen time, healthy nutrition, and regular visits to Smart Vision Eye Centre.
Childhood vision issues are preventable — but only when detected early.
At Smart Vision Eye Centre, the combined expertise of Dr. Seema Behl and her team ensures every child receives thorough screening, accurate diagnosis, and age-appropriate care.
If you notice your child squinting, rubbing their eyes, or sitting too close to screens, don’t delay. Early action can protect their eyesight for life.
Book Your Appointment
Dr. Seema Behl
Founder & Chief Ophthalmologist – Smart Vision Eye Centre
217, 2nd Floor, Lodha Supremus, Next to Hotel Bindra Supremacy, Mahakali Caves Road, Andheri (East), Mumbai – 400093.
📞 Mobile: +91 9321842424 | Tel: +91 22 31399370
Protect your child’s eyes today — because prevention begins at Smart Vision Eye Centre.