One thousand more Victorian students, including in the Whittlesea and Hume municipalities, can see more clearly and concentrate better at school thanks to a new program.
The state government’s free Glasses for Kids program prescribes pairs of free glasses to pupils struggling with their vision, with the 1000th given out this week.
Education Minister James Merlino said it was important to level the viewing field for each student.
“Giving every Victorian child the opportunity to thrive at school goes beyond providing great education programs –it’s about making sure nobody is left behind because of easily treatable issues like vision impairment,” Mr Merlino said.
“It’s fantastic to see an extra thousand Victorian students seeing more clearly and concentrating better thanks to Glasses for Kids – and that’s exactly why we’ll continue to invest in this vital program, and in our kids’ health.”
The next phase of the Glasses for Kids program will mean an extra 340 schools – and about 40,000 pupils – will get eyesight testing, without cost being a barrier.