Store Manager Hasan Ahmed from Specsavers Bethnal Green and pre-registration optometrist Jemini Katechia discussed common eye health concerns including the increase of myopia in younger children and the importance of having a sight test, particularly with the increase in use of screens at school and at home.
Hasan Ahmed said: ‘We’re delighted to have been invited to support the Bangabandhu Primary School parents’ evening. It’s a great opportunity to chat to parents, raise awareness around why an eye test is so important, and especially for children.
‘If there is a need for prescription glasses, we can pick this up earlier and correct the child’s eyesight, so there is less impact on their studies and their eyes.’
During the course of the evening the Specsavers Bethnal Green team also discussed the benefits of protective eyewear for when children play sports to avoid their glasses potentially getting damaged or broken.
Bangabandhu Primary School is a Gold Rights Respecting School offering a broad curriculum of study with reading at its core. So, ensuring that the pupils’ eyesight is checked regularly is hugely important so that it doesn’t affect their studies.
Carly Lawrence, Head of School, said: "We were delighted that the friendly and supportive team from Specsavers Bethnal Green 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."
Parents left the event with high-vis jackets for their children and Specsavers Goody Bags containing voucher offers, as well as leaflets detailing various common eye conditions picked up by a sight test, 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 just £5 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 for Spring, you can call Specsavers Bethnal Green on 020 7324 7520 or book online.
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.