Children Learn the Importance of Good Eye Health

Local optician Moin Valli has been teaching pupils at Colden Junior and Infant School in Hebden Bridge how their eyes work and what they can do to look after them.

Moin, Managing Director of the Valli Group which owns Valli Opticians at Grange Dene Medical Centre in Burnley Road, Mytholmroyd, delivered an interactive presentation to Year 5 and 6 pupils on Monday which included chance for them to get to grips with a model giant eye ball as part of a children’s education programme called ‘Eye Know Eye Care’.

Moin said: “The programme highlights the importance of children’s eye care and explains how our eyes work, how your vision is important for different jobs, understanding about eye health and how to protect your eyes. It’s a fun, interactive presentation with a serious message. For example we also talk about some amazing facts, including that dolphins sleep with one eye open and the giant squid has the largest eyeball in the animal kingdom at a whopping 46cm across!”

“The importance of good eye health cannot be underestimated. It’s really important that children have their eyes checked regularly, just as important as the trip to the dentist or having their feet measured. Children need more frequent eye tests because their vision changes more quickly as they grow. At least every 12 months is recommended.”

Mr Greenwood, head teacher at Colden Junior and Infant School, said: “Mr Valli and his team gave a very informative and interesting talk about eyes and caring for them. The children learned a lot and I think they now know that eye care is at least important as all other aspects of looking after ourselves”

Along with Valli Opticians in Mytholmroyd the Valli Group owns a further six practices in West Yorkshire. A free NHS eye examination is available for children at all Valli Group Opticians. Toddlers and young children do not need to be able to read to have their eyes checked as Optometrists are able to carry out an eye test using pictures.

For further information about the Valli Group of Opticians please visit www.valliopticians.co.uk. If you would like to invite Moin Valli to deliver a talk at your school please contact him on 01484 533730.