Optometrist launches book to educate children about eye health

An interactive book that aims to help optometrists teach children about eye exams, long and short-sightedness, astigmatism and the importance of sunglasses has been launched.

Jean Kelly, a children's eye care specialist and owner of Eglinton Eyecare in County Derry, Northern Ireland, hopes that the book, entitled Your Eyes – Eyecare Adventures with Op Tish and Ann, will help eye care professionals deliver workshops to children.

The 48-page book, which is aimed at children aged seven to nine, sees three bears deliver vital eye health messages and eye care advice.

It uses augmented reality to bring the story to life via an app, and was launched in partnership with Hoya during November’s Optix Conference.

Kelly said: “Initial feedback from the industry has been so positive.”

Kelly, who spends time in schools teaching children about eye care, originally developed an interactive book for her school visits before being approached by other optometrists who were interested in buying copies.

“I realised there was a gap in the market for a really comprehensive but exciting product to help catch children’s attention and support eye care professionals with their presentations and workshops,” she said.

She added: “The books help ensure that the message of the importance of regular eye care for children is heard by the parents as there is also a parent’s section within the book.”

Kelly hopes that the books will be used as a learning tool both in practice and as part of school talks, as well as being available to children for purchase or as a gift via community practices.

The cover can be personalised to any practice with the practice details, logo and a QR code to direct readers to a landing page on their own website.

Your Eyes – Eyecare Adventures with Op Tish and Ann can be ordered from Hoya representatives or by contacting Kelly directly on [email protected]

Lead image: Jean Kelly and colleague, Megan McCartney, with John French, chief executive at SightCare Group