When it comes to children's eye health, it is often the adults around them who notice when something is not quite right. Issues with vision in young children might be revealed through play or in communication with family members, so in many cases parents, siblings, grandparents, other relatives and friends are among the first to wonder whether a child is experiencing problems.
At other times, it is when a child starts school that their issues become obvious. Reading, writing, looking at the blackboard, even playing with friends: all of these activities are seriously impacted if a child is having problems with their sight, which is why teachers have such a significant role to play. Often they're the ones to identify when a minor problem starts to become a major issue.
This is why we work closely with schools around the world – including a number in Nepal, the focus of our See My Future appeal, which sees the UK government double all public donations until 23rd June. Our REACH (Refractive Error Among Children) screenings take place in schools and our partners run spot checks to make sure the schoolchildren provided with glasses are wearing them. We also work closely with teachers on the importance of eye health.
In fact, teacher support is one of the things that makes the REACH programme so impactful. We couldn't do it without them.