School glasses program a ‘spec in time’ for kids’ learning

A new program offering free eye tests and glasses at Victorian schools is set to transform the learning environment of children in prep to year three — up to a third of whom may have unidentified vision problems.

Final-year optometry students from the University of Melbourne will conduct eye tests at more than 100 schools, as part of the Glasses for Kids program launched today by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Education Minister James Merlino.

The three-year program is being delivered by the University in partnership with  the not-for-profit group State Schools Relief (SSR) and the Department of Education and Training Victoria.

Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences Dean Shitij Kapur said common problems in this age group included long-sightedness, turned eyes and colour vision problems.

“The importance of both good education and good health to a child’s future cannot be underestimated,” Professor Kapur said.

“Unidentified vision problems often lie at the root of poor educational outcomes for children and our students will be intervening to prevent this.

"We are delighted to be working with State Schools’ Relief and the Department of Education and Training to deliver this program.”

At one school in a trial conducted earlier this year, 330 children were tested and 125 were found to need glasses.

University of Melbourne Eyecare Clinical Director Daryl Guest said final-year optometry students were excited to be part of a major public health initiative that would help children and their teachers.

“For many of these kids, simply prescribing glasses has completely transformed their experience of school, improving their concentration and behaviour," Associate Professor Guest said.

“We need early screening because kids of this age won’t tell you, ‘I can’t see the blackboard’ — they’ll just disengage from learning and fall behind.”