Initiative helps Newcomb students see clearly

STUDENTS at Newcomb Primary School are among those benefiting from a program helping to remove vision impairment as a potential barrier to educational engagement for financially disadvantaged students.

State Schools’ Relief (SSR) has teamed up with the Victorian government to launch Glasses for Kids, which will provide 16,000 pairs of glasses at no cost to affected children or their families.

The program is targeting 108,000 students across the state, including 48 students at Newcomb Primary School.

Latest Melbourne University research outlines 80 per cent of children’s learning is performed visually.

Optometry Australia says one in five children have an undetected vision problem, and more than 56 per cent of parents of disadvantaged prep students have expressed concerns about their child’s eyesight but did not attend a vision service.

Newcomb Primary School principal Rachel Buck said the Glasses for Kids program would have plenty of benefits for students and their families.

:”Providing a service for our families that they may not access if not offered during school time and for free is a huge benefit.

“Ensuring students can see properly in the class helps to support students and teachers by increasing engagement in learning. The glasses are also provided for free to families, which is amazing.”

Glasses for Kids program manager Luke Owen said the program will richly benefit the children at Newcomb Primary School.

“25 per cent of students who participate in the program are usually found to have vision issues that can be corrected by using glasses.

“Receiving glasses at no cost then helps students in the classroom by increasing engagement, achievement and creating a sense of belonging.

“The visit also creates a culture where wearing glasses is “cool”, so students are encouraged to wear their glasses regularly.”

State Schools’ Relief chief executive officer Sue Karzis said vision played an important role in education for children.

“This is a high impact program which ensures that every child can participate in education with the same opportunities as other children, regardless of their personal circumstances.”

For more about the program, head to vic.gov.au/glasses-for-kids