A class trip to the opticians

Two classes of year three primary school children have visited their local Specsavers optometry practice to learn about science and vision.

The children, from Brackenfield School, visited Specsavers Harrogate, where optometrists gave them vision simulation glasses to help them understand how everyday tasks change when your vision is altered.

Learning about how their eyes work, one pupil volunteered to have an optical coherence tomography scan, before the group gathered in a test room to learn about the anatomy and inner workings of the eye from the optometrist.

Towards the end of the visit, audiology director, Tom Lowrie, spoke to the children about how hearing works. Using a model ear and hearing test equipment, the children learnt about how hearing loss is diagnosed and can be treated.

Teacher at Brackenfield School, Mrs Clark, said: “We’re thankful to the team at Specsavers Harrogate for hosting our students, and for creating a well thought out and informative session. It helped the children to understand the STEM theme of Adapt and change in an immersive, hands-on environment.”

“It was wonderful to see the children engaging and having fun and learning more about how science helps people in their daily lives,” she added.

Practice director at Specsavers Harrogate, Caroline Sullivan, highlighted: “The earlier children learn about the importance of ear and eye health – and how science is helping change people’s lives – the more understanding and supportive our communities become.”

Sullivan said they would welcome back children from the school, as well as those in the surrounding area, for similar visits to provide them with “a sneak peek into the lives of optometrists and audiologists.”