Independent sets itself kids vision screening target

Valli Opticians is aiming to provide free vision screening to 1000 reception-aged children locally by July this year.

The independent optical group has set itself the 1000 Eye Challenge as part of the third phase in its Children’s Eye Health Matters campaign.

The campaign was initially launched last summer with a call for greater emphasis on children’s eye health to be included in the Personal Child Health Record. The second phase saw Valli Opticians provide talks about eye health to over 4000 school children locally.

Speaking about the campaign, managing director of Valli Opticians, Moin Valli highlighted: “There is a misconception that all children have a simple eye test, known as vision screening, when they start school, which is paid for by their local authority. But this does not happen in all areas.”

On discovering that children in schools close to the group’s Huddersfield and Hebden Bridge practices do not routinely have their vision screened, Valli Opticians decided to offer the service itself free of charge.

Last week Mr Valli performed vision screening to 43 reception-aged children at Beech Infants School and Royds Hall Community School in Huddersfield.

Mr Valli said: “We are a community conscious business and being an integral part of the towns and villages that we serve has always been very important to us. Our 1000 Eye Challenge is part of that commitment.”

Teacher at Royds Hall Community School, Chloe Langton, added: “Moin was fantastic with our pupils and his mannerism with the children is exceptional. All of the children were confident to talk about the optician’s visit and it was a great opportunity for our schools to develop links within the community.”

To sign Valli Opticians’ Red Book Campaign petition, visit the Change website.