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Oftentimes, a local eye doctor in OKC or elsewhere isn’t the first person to notice that a child needs glasses. Teachers are. This is a particularly important observation for teachers to make, since 80% of what students learn comes from them processing what they learn with their eyes. And one in four school-aged kids has a vision problem. So, looking for common signs will enable you to help your students learn more comfortably and effectively.
However, although today’s society does not see wearing glasses as a bad thing, students may still try to cover up their vision problems. Indeed, children may be afraid of being teased if they have to wear glasses.
As a teacher, you have an important role in not only discovering students who may need glasses but also reassuring them if they do.
Signs that a child needs glasses
To help ensure your students get the vision support they need to be successful in your class, be on the lookout for common vision problem signs, such as:
- Inability to read the board from their desk.
- The need to squint their eyes.
- Trouble using the computer.
- Clumsiness.
- Trouble playing certain sports.
- Headaches.
- Hyperactivity.
- Poor attention span.
Tests and student report cards can reflect these issues. When a student cannot see well, they are not able to fully study or learn in the classroom or at home. In response, students may become frustrated and antsy. In turn, this could result in a misdiagnosis with other conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Teachers who suspect a student needs glasses should let the parents know. It’s also important to understand that school vision screenings can help detect a possible vision issue, but they aren’t enough.
Rather, a comprehensive eye examination is more thorough. An eye doctor in OKC or elsewhere can perform various tests in order to prescribe glasses or contact lenses that are best suited for student success.
Getting a child excited about glasses
At first, children may not wear their glasses. They may hide them because they are afraid of being teased or bullied. To ensure students feel safe and can learn to their fullest potential, it’s important for you to talk to your students about bullying and how it is wrong.
About 15-20% of all students in the United States are frequently bullied. So, it’s crucial to foster a classroom environment that facilitates honesty, focuses on friendship and embraces kids’ uniqueness.
To begin, learn about why a child might bully another and find lessons to teach if it ever happens. You can also teach students how to defend themselves against bullies.
Besides combatting potential negative reactions like bullying, you can get students excited about their glasses by praising them for wearing them. While you may not want to call their new glasses out in front of the whole class, offer personal praise one-on-one by telling the student that their glasses are “cool” when speaking to them.
Also, point out that their school work has improved since they started wearing glasses. This type of praise can encourage students to feel more comfortable and confident in their new look.
To take it that extra mile, let students know there are many “cool” celebrities who wear glasses. From fictional characters like Harry Potter to performers like Justin Bieber, Demi Lovato and Johnny Depp, there are many famous people who wear prescription glasses proudly.
Encourage students to see an eye doctor in OKC or elsewhere
If you have a student who you suspect has a vision problem, tell their parents. They can get their child the vision care they need to succeed in the classroom. At Vision Care of Oklahoma, parents can find a highly qualified eye doctor in OKC and all across the country. With pre-paid vision plans, parents can access comprehensive eye exams and savings on glasses and contacts for their child to learn more effectively.
Discover more about how Vision Care Direct can help your parents and students succeed.
