This message and lesson plan is from our Children’s Participation in Eye Health and the Promotion of Good Vision resource book for teachers and educators. Read more about the book and download it now!

Message 13

Spectacles are the simplest way to correct short- and
long-sight and help people see clearly.

Learning Objectives

• Children will know and feel able to share the message on Improving Vision.
• Children can describe Improving Vision why this is important.
• Children have reflected on the session.
  

Preparation

If working in small groups, prepare several copies of the short story and the three questions that go with it.

Steps

1. Introductory activities, e.g. an icebreaker, game or The Memory Line.
2. Repeat the message in chorus. Add actions to this message to make it more memorable. In pairs or threes children practice the message. In the whole group say the message out loud with actions.
3. In the whole group or in smaller groups, ask a child to read this story out loud (or a locally adapted version of it).

My father makes shoes. Last year he stopped making and mending shoes because he could not see to thread the needle or do the small stitches. We were unhappy because daddy was not earning enough money to buy the things we needed, like school books and clothes.

At last his friend, Mr Kuma said, “My friend, you should go to the eye clinic to get spectacles.” My father did not agree. “I am not yet old and I have always seen well. Spectacles will make my eyes weaker.”

But from that day he noticed that there were people his age wearing spectacles, like Mr Zuma in the post office and Mrs Kumalo who made clothes.

He decided to have his eyes checked at the eye clinic. He returned with a pair of spectacles, looking very proud and happy. He has gone back to mending shoes and we are happy now.

Questions:

• How did the father’s vision affect the family and why?
• Why was the father not willing to go to the clinic? Was he right?
• What helped him decide that he should go to the clinic?
• What question would you like to ask him?
• What do you feel about children who have to wear spectacles?

4. Explain: Some children are not completely blind, but they cannot see very well, even with spectacles. They suffer from low vision. There are many things that can help someone with low vision.
   • Mobility (having ways to move about with low vision)
   • Magnification (increasing the size of objects or text)
   • Lighting (people see better where there is good light)
5. In pairs, think about where you live – both inside your house and outside your house. Talk to each other about:
   • How would you help someone with low vision who is coming to visit your home?
   • What could you do before and during their visit to make them feel more comfortable?

Reflection Circle

In a circle, the children say in turn what they learned and enjoyed about this session.

Closing Activity

Repeat the message together and ask those that know it to share with classmates, friends and family.

Download Children’s Participation in Eye Health
and the Promotion of Good Vision now!