Importance of eye testing for school children

Transition to secondary school is a key time when pupils should have an eye test as they face increasing demands on their visual abilities. Classrooms are bigger and about 80% of what is taught in school is presented visually.

Children don’t often inform their parents or carers that they are having problems with their eyesight as they often ‘just get on with it’.  As many as 1 in 5 school children has an undetected problem. Even those with significant problems can go unnoticed.

Children with visual problems often are the ones who are reluctant to attend school as they are not able to fully immerse themselves with their learning, including PE and extra curricular activities.

Being able to see clearly is incredibly important to children’s overall learning and wellbeing. Therefore please ensure your child has an annual free eye test.

If your child does require glasses please contact the school (or email Mrs Swire) to inform us as often pupils need a gentle reminder to wear their glasses in class or a reminder to actually bring them to school!

Signs that your child may have an eye problem

• Squinting
• Tilting head or covering one eye
• Sitting too close to the television or holding hand-held devices too close to the eyes
• Rubbing eyes excessively
• Complaining of headaches or eye pain
• Having difficulty concentrating on school work