Primary School students to get free vision tests

Primary school students in St Vincent and the Grenadines will have an opportunity to know if they have proper vision, and if they may need eye examinations or not.{{more}}

This, as the Spectacle Shoppe, supported by the Ministry of Education, initiates a student vision screening program, which is geared towards assessing the vision of students.

Last week, it was the turn of students of the Belair Government School, when test administrator Vulon Layne Peterson conducted the assessment on students.

The students were given two simple exercises, in which they were asked to identify letters and numbers on charts, from a distance and from close range.

With the data received, Peterson was able to determine if the student’s vision is good or bad.

Based on her observations, Peterson said that most of the students assessed have relatively good eyesight.

“But we would have had a few who would have had problems which we would have picked up; and when we spoke to the teachers, we realized that these children have some problems… so we just have to see what the outcome would be.”

Principal of the Belair Government School Joy Matthews expressed her school’s approval and appreciation for the exercise, which she pointed out had many benefits to the students.

“Good eyesight to a student’s learning is very important; vision occurs in the brain and not the eyes, therefore, the eyes must see clearly without double vision, if the brain is to interpret the visual images.

“Too often, vision deficiencies in school age children are identified as behavioral and social problems. As teachers, we have to work on assumptions, which most times are detrimental to our students’ health and their future career.

“Having such a program is most welcome and timely and we appreciate the initiative and foresight of the Spectacle Shoppe. We are aware of the high cost of doing these tests and some parents’ inability to meet such costs and we sincerely appreciate this program,” Matthews said.

After the screening is completed, the parents of students with poor eyesight may choose to have the child’s eyes examined for glasses.

If done at the Spectacle Shoppe as part of the program, the parents can purchase glasses for the student at a discounted rate.

A release from the Spectacle Shoppe said that the program was part of a vision awareness campaign, which is geared towards identifying students with vision issues, and rectifying the problem before it is too late.

“At the Spectacle Shoppe, we are cognizant of the fact that a high percentage of students are affected by vision problems, which adversely impacts their academic performance and general development. If left undetected, vision disorders can lead to significant vision loss and we see the need to preserve the precious gift of sight.”

“The aim of this program is to identify students with visual problems and provide follow-up correction and treatment of disorders in an efficient and affordable manner.

“The Spectacle Shoppe has developed a Student Special Offer to make eye exams and spectacles affordable to students that may need,” the release said.

The company indicated that they were happy to work with the Ministry of Education in the venture, which is a move towards putting an end to a critical health issue on a national level.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Education representative Elizabeth Walker pointed out the ministry’s awareness of the need for identifying children with potential vision problems, hence the reason for supporting the program.

“Vision screening for students can play an important role in the academic success and development of our students. Many vision problems in students go undetected by parents, teachers and the students themselves without a formal vision assessment. When problems are identified it can be dealt with early when treatment can be most effective.

“A child who cannot see well will start their education at a disadvantage. Children who start behind often stay behind.

“I am confident that this program will go a long way in affording our teachers the opportunity to further observe warning signs of potential visual problems that may otherwise go undetected/ undiagnosed. We look forward to broadening and deepening the collaborative relationship between such entities as the Spectacle Shop and the Ministry of Education.”

The Ministry of Education, along with the Spectacle Shoppe, called on other businesses to support the initiative.(JJ)