Free eye tests will be offered at seven primary schools across Wyndham, thanks to a new state government initiative.
The Glasses for Kids program aims to test the eyes of 30,000 pupils from prep to year three at 250 Victorian schools.
Free glasses will be provided to those youngsters found to need them.
Glasses for Kids, a partnership between the state government and Melbourne University, will use supervised final year optometry students to vision test about two-thirds of students.
Studies have shown that children with undiagnosed vision problems often find it hard to concentrate at school, leading to poor results and disruptive behaviour – yet many struggling families avoid eye tests because of their cost.
Education minister James Merlino said initial trials showed how essential this program would be to young learners.
“The results from the trial were astounding,” Mr Merlino said. “At one school we tested 330 kids, and 125 of them needed glasses … teachers reported an immediate improvement in behaviour and academic performance.”
Iramoo, Manorvale, Mossfiel, The Grange, Warringa Park, Westgrove and Wyndham Park primary schools will take part in the initiative.
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… Ewen McRae
