IT WAS a parents’ evening with a difference at Bangabandhu Primary School where children’s eyesight was discussed, along with their academic performance.
Local optical experts were on hand at the special event to inform the pupils and their parents about common eye conditions, including myopia (short-sightedness), which is on the increase.
Store Manager Hasan Ahmed, from Specsavers Whitechapel, says: ‘We’ve built up a great partnership with the school during the last two years supporting various events.
‘As a team, our aim is to educate parents and children on the importance of regular eye tests, particularly with the trend of increased screen time usage at school and at home, and the rise in the number of myopia cases, especially in younger children.
‘We explained to parents the benefits of why it’s better to identify any issues earlier, as delays can impact on the child’s learning, plus lead to eye strain. Ultimately, as part of the local community, we want our locals to know that we are here for them, and that there is an optician on their High Street they can trust.’
As health practitioners who support their local GPs, the Specsavers Bethnal Green and Specsavers Whitechapel team of optometrists have identified a number of children with eye conditions in recent years, with symptoms including blurry vision, sore eyes and not being able to see the board clearly. And because the children have adapted to the eye condition and not mentioned it to their parents or teachers, their eye conditions have often gone undetected.
Carly Lawrence, Head of School, said: ‘We were delighted that the friendly and supportive team from Specsavers Whitechapel supported our parents’ evening and discussed children’s eye care.
‘Around 80% of learning is visual, especially in the early years. If a child cannot see the board, read books, or follow along with class materials, their academic progress may suffer. Uncorrected vision problems can lead to difficulties in reading, writing, concentration, and even behaviour.
‘Our school staff understand and regularly remind parents that early detection and treatment can prevent more serious or permanent problems later on. It was great to have the team in to reinforce this message and get lots of families signed up for appointments there and then.’
Bangabandhu Primary School in Bethnal Green is a Gold Rights Respecting School, offering a broad curriculum of study with reading at its core. Ensuring that the pupils’ eyesight is checked regularly is hugely important so that it doesn’t affect their studies.
During the evening the team from Specsavers Whitechapel handed out Black Friday offers and presented the children with Specsavers goody bags that contained guidance about eye care and eye conditions, such as myopia in children.
There were also details about diagnostic tests that can be carried out to assess the overall health of the eye, including an OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) 3D scan, which is eye-scanning equipment that helps detect serious eye conditions like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy up to four years earlier than traditional methods. It currently costs an additional £10 and is available to over-21s.
Specsavers children’s eye tests are designed to be friendly and fun. For children who are not yet reading, there are special charts, shapes, and picture books that the optician can use instead. It is recommended that adults have a sight test at least every two years, while children should visit every year.
The NHS will cover the full cost of a sight test for anyone who qualifies. All children under 16, as well as those under 19 in full-time education, are entitled to an NHS funded eye test.
For anyone who wants to check out if theirs and their family’s eyesight or hearing is in tip top condition, you can call Specsavers Bethnal Green on 020 7324 7520 or book online at www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/bethnalgreen
You can visit the sister store at Specsavers Whitechapel, either calling to book an appointment on 020 7247 6478 or online at https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/whitechapel
As part of Specsavers’ mission to make eye health accessible to all, Specsavers also offers a Home Visits service to those that can’t leave their homes unaccompanied due to disability or illness. Specsavers Home Visits service covers more than 90% of the UK: https://www.specsavers.co.uk/home-visits/home-eye-tests
