03 Apr Opticians’ school visit inspires pupils to wear their glasses with pride
VISITORS to a primary school in Teddington have inspired the Year 6 pupils to better understand more about eye health and sight tests, and to take pride in wearing their glasses.
Specsavers New Malden’s ophthalmic director, Bhavisha Patel, and retail director Karina Peshawaria were invited to give a talk, titled ‘Going to the Opticians’, to Year 6 pupils at St Mary’s and St Peter’s Primary School in Teddington.
Being very passionate about eye care in the community, both store partners were delighted to be invited to visit the school. They explained the various tests used to assess the health of the eyes, outlining what is involved via diagrams and pictures, and showing the eager 10 and 11-year-olds various pieces of testing equipment.
The talk tied in nicely with the school curriculum, as the pupils have been learning the theory behind the eye, so actually being able to listen to a qualified optician and ask questions was a great way to bring their studies to life. They could even look down an Ophthalmoscope themselves.
Bhavisha Patel says: ‘It was fantastic that we were invited to visit the school and to speak to the pupils about what we do. They have been learning about the different parts of the eye this term, so I could show them how the eye works, what happens in an eye test and what I can see at the back of the eye.
‘They also wanted to know why some pupils have to wear glasses, so I explained about being short or long sighted and how it can impact learning, and day-to-day life.’
Harry and Alex, teachers for the 6HN Year Group, say: ‘We were delighted that Bhavisha and Karina could take the time to visit our school and give a presentation to our Year 6 pupils, all about the eyes.
‘It was a really successful visit, as the children were enthralled to find out about the various tests and the different parts of the eye, plus they quizzed them both on the subjects they need to study to train to become either an optician or an optometrist, and asked Bhavisha to explain the difference.
‘We have some children who wear glasses, and it was wonderful that after Bhavisha and Karina had left, one of them proudly put her glasses on. All of the other children complemented her, and since then, she has worn her glasses regularly. So it was a really wonderful and inspiring talk, in many ways.’
With the vast choice of work and study options available to pupils these days, inviting local specialists and businesses into a school to give a talk and chat to them face to face, provides a great way to find out more first-hand from the professionals.
For anyone who wants to check if their eyesight or hearing is in tip-top condition for 2024, you can contact Specsavers New Malden on 020 8336 7620 or you can also book online: https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/newmalden
