By Charmaine NdlelaÂ
The University of Limpopo (UL) has trained teachers to recognise early signs of vision problems among learners and refer them for professional eye examinations before untreated conditions begin to affect their classroom performance.
The university’s Department of Optometry hosted the training seminar under the National Research Foundation’s Knowledge Interchange and Collaboration project, “Early Detection of Visual Inefficiencies Within a School System”.
The event brought together teachers, researchers and optometry students to strengthen cooperation in the early identification and referral of learners experiencing possible vision difficulties.
Dr Pheagane Nkoana, a senior lecturer in the Department of Optometry at UL, said teachers played an important role in early detection because of the time they spent observing learners in the classroom.
“Teachers are often the first to notice when a learner is struggling with their vision. By equipping them with the right skills, we can ensure learners receive timely care and the support they need to succeed,” Nkoana said.
During practical training sessions, teachers learnt to identify warning signs of possible vision problems, including frequent squinting, excessive blinking, persistent headaches, holding books too close to the face and difficulty reading from the classroom board.
Learners displaying these signs can then be referred for professional eye examinations and appropriate care.
The programme is consistent with South Africa’s Integrated School Health Policy, which includes vision screening among the health services provided to learners during different phases of their schooling.
The policy aims to assess learners at least once during each educational phase and allows for additional assessments when concerns are raised by teachers, parents or learners.
The World Health Organisation says vision impairment can affect educational achievement and quality of life, while uncorrected refractive errors remain a leading cause of vision impairment among children.
The UL seminar also highlighted research conducted through the university’s Optometry Clinic on visual conditions found in Limpopo communities, including vernal keratoconjunctivitis and keratoconus.
Both conditions can affect children and interfere with their learning when they are not diagnosed and treated.
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