The Victorian Government announced a $6.8 million boost to the Glasses for Kids program, tripling its capacity to reach 770 schools over four years.
On-site vision screening by an optometrist and, if necessary, further eye testing and free glasses are covered by the funding.
Students who require glasses will have their prescription ordered by an optometrist, and those who need further eye health investigation will be provided with a referral.
State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said children could fall behind in school due to undiagnosed eye problems.
“I’m delighted that students across the region will benefit from this program, which saves families money and helps students to learn and thrive,” she said.
A Glasses for Kids spokesperson said students who received glasses through the program were entitled to a free replacement pair within 12 months of a visit.
“As children’s eyes are still developing, we see our visit as the start of the journey, or an early intervention in terms of eye health,” the spokesperson said.
“[We] encourage all students who participate to have their eyes re-tested in 12 to 18 months at their local optometry clinic.”
The scheduled visits by Glasses for Kids to local schools this year are listed below.
Monday, March 24: Gunbower Primary School and Rochester Primary School.
Tuesday, March 25: Lockington Consolidated School.
Wednesday, March 26: Tongala Primary School.
Thursday, March 27: Nanneella Estate Primary School.
Monday, June 23: Echuca Twin Rivers Primary School.
Wednesday, June 25: Echuca East Primary School.
Friday, June 27: Echuca Twin Rivers Specialist School.
The vision tests and glasses are being delivered by State Schools’ Relief, a not-for-profit charity that manages the government funding and the program.
The program is offered to students at state government schools identified with high and medium levels of disadvantage.
For more information, visit glassesforkids.com.au