IN SUPPORT of raising awareness of being seen during Road Safety Week 2022 (November 14 – 20) Specsavers Greenford and Specsavers Westway Cross teamed up to donate high viz jackets to Perivale Ealing Primary School.
High viz jackets increase visibility and being seen; whether on a bike, scooter or walking; is important for all ages and especially for younger children during the darker winter months. This year’s campaign organised by Brake, The Road Safety Charity, was ‘safe roads for all’ with an aspect of the awareness week being to encourage everyone, and in particular motorists, to check their eyesight is in tip top condition. The poorer lighting and dazzle from lights in the dark evenings can easily impact on a driver’s ability to have good vision.
The Specsavers’ stores donation was gratefully received by Perivale Primary School, with Leonard Sarkis, Assistant Headteacher, Curriculum Design, Organisation and Implementation saying; ‘It’s very generous of the stores and store partners to donate 120 high viz jackets. Our nursery and reception classes will use them on school trips, walking and commuting to school and any school related outings.’
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As well as motorists, motorcyclists and cyclists checking their eyesight, parents are also being encouraged to take their children for a sight test, particularly as it is estimated that 1.6 million school-aged children are living with an undetected eye problem in England[2].
Parents across London are being advised to make their children’s eye health a top priority after a recent study[3] revealed myopia among children increased significantly during the pandemic. Myopia, also known as short-sightedness, is thought to affect one in three people in the UK and usually occurs when the eyes grow slightly too long meaning that light doesn’t focus on the light-sensitive tissue (retina) at the back of the eye properly.
In 2020 and into 2021, many children were spending as much as six hours a day on smartphones and other digital devices[4] which is a contributing factor to the increase in myopia. If children (and adults) can follow the 20:20:20 rule which recommends looking away from their screen or white board every 20 minutes at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds, this will help to relax the eye muscles.
Mr Sarkis commented; ‘I have noticed an increase in children in my classes having difficulty seeing the board, even when they are sitting at the front of the class. Having a sight test, would ensure that the children’s eyesight is being monitored and there will be less impact on their learning and overall confidence.’
Specsavers eye tests are designed to be friendly and fun, and for children who are not reading yet, there are special charts, shapes, and picture books that the optician can use instead. It is recommended that adults have an eye test at least every two years, children should visit every year.
The NHS will cover the full cost of an eye 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.
To book in for a sight or hearing test you can contact Specsavers Greenford on 020 8832 8940 or Specsavers Westway Cross on 020 8566 6123 or book online.
