Eye Didn't Know That! includes an outreach program for communities and schools. It encourages eye care providers (ECPs) to get involved and advance awareness of healthy sight at a local level. A complete school program kit is available, including lesson plans for teachers and ECPs to present either individually or together at schools in their communities.
Why is healthy sight so important for school-age children?
Children who have undiagnosed vision problems can suffer from low self-esteem. They can become frustrated more easily, have trouble concentrating on reading, feel stupid, experience frequent headaches, or rub their eyes until they smart. Once their vision is corrected, children with eyeglasses hold their heads high and exude confidence---if the adults around them are positive and supportive.
How can I help my students feel better about the need to wear glasses?
Check your own attitude about glasses first. Don't assume your students won't want to wear them. Eyeglasses have come a long way since the "coke bottle" lenses of our parents' generation. With the advances in thin, lightweight plastic and photochromic lenses, and so many cool frames, your students could very well be enthusiastic about wearing glasses to emulate older kids or to express an individual sense of style.
Some teachers say that they have found it more beneficial to quietly compliment a student on his or her new glasses, rather than make a fuss.
What else you I do to boost their self-esteem?
Many popular characters from works of children's fiction wear eyeglasses. These can serve as role models for students.
- Harry Potter
- Meg in Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle In Time, A Wind In the Door. and A Swiftly Tilting Planet
- Beverly Cleary's Ramona
- American Girl Dolls' collection books about Molly
As you know, kids can always find reasons to tease each other---whether it's a new pair of eyeglasses or a growth spurt. As you also know, these types of teasing incidents are usually short-lived and don't require your intervention. You can help by providing tips for the student who is being teased to handle the situation on his or her own. Maintaining a sense of humor helps.
