Free screening and glasses gives Victorian students a clear vision for their future

PRIMARY students are being given a clearer vision of their future thanks to an eye screening program and free glasses being rolled out across Victoria.

STUDENTS are being given a much clearer vision of their future thanks to an eye screening program being rolled out across Victoria.

Free vision screening clinics and pairs of glasses for those who need them are being rolled out to 250 primary schools in disadvantaged areas.

For students such as Fawkner Primary School’s Adam, 6, the Glasses For Kids program means vision problems that can affect learning are being detected and overcome years earlier than they might otherwise be identified.

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Erica Barclay with grade 1 Fawkner Primary School student, Adam, 6. Picture: Sarah Matray

Up to 30,000 prep to Grade 3 students are having their visions screened by University of Melbourne optometry students, including Erica Barclay, before being referred to an optometrist for a compre­hensive eye test and potential glasses if issues are detected.

Glasses For Kids project manager Meaghan Flack said students at 70 schools had so far been screened, with 30-50 per cent referred for follow-up eye tests.

“Where the vision screening has shown a need we have provided vouchers for the children to go and get a full comprehensive eye test at a local optometrist, and glasses for free if required,” she said.

“It is able to identify visions deficient at a young age and provide interventions so that their learning is not impaired and they get every opportunity to succeed.

“The families are extremely appreciative. Many families do not know their children have vision deficiencies (because) children are very good at adapting and often they present in different ways.”

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