Young children at 22 schools across Whittlesea and Hume will have their eyes tested for free as part of a new state government program.
The program is being rolled out in 250 schools in some of the state’s most disadvantaged communities, providing eye testing and free glasses.
Prep to grade 3 pupils at schools in Broadmeadows, Thomastown, Lalor, Campbellfield, Epping and Coolaroo will be included in the program.
Meadowglen Primary School principal Loretta Piazza said the program would ensure vision problems were picked up before a student’s learning was affected.
“Often parents, teachers – nobody picks up there is a problem with a child’s eyesight, and we wonder why their work is not being done and why they are falling behind,” she said.
“Little kids don’t know any different and they will compensate for not being able to see. They find strategies to cope.”
Education Minister James Merlino said the program was trialled in 24 schools with “astounding” results.
“At one school, we tested 330 kids and 125 of them needed glasses,” he said. “Once received, their teachers reported an immediate improvement in behaviour and academic performance.”
