Vision testing program expanded

A PROGRAM designed to make vision testing and glasses more accessible is being expanded and will benefit Bellarine schools.

The Victorian government’s Glasses for Kids program received a $6.8 million boost in the 2024-25 budget, tripling the capacity of the program.

It was expanded to support more Prep to Grade 3 students with free onsite vision screening and testing and, if needed, free glasses.

Glasses for Kids has been expanded to an additional 473 eligible schools, making the program available to an additional 74,000 Prep to Gear 3 students through to 2027.

The vision tests and glasses are being delivered to Portarlington Primary School on March 20 and St Leonards Primary School on March 7 by State Schools’ Relief, a Victorian not-for-profit organisation that manages and delivers Glasses for Kids.

The program is offered to students at Victorian government schools identified with high and medium levels of disadvantage, based on the school’s Student Family Occupation and Education Index.

“We’re helping kids and I’m delighted that students in the Bellarine will benefit from this program, which saves families money and helps students to learn and thrive,” Bellarine MP Alison Marchant said.