Optometry practice hosts school pupils for a science lesson

Optometry practice hosts school pupils for a science lesson

PUPILS at Brackenfield School visited their local optometry practice to explore the importance of science and how it helps improve patients every day.

The team at Specsavers Harrogate opened their doors to two groups of Year 3 children, who took their school project out into the community to understand the science that takes place at the practice.

Starting with the optometrists, the children were given vision simulation glasses to understand how everyday tasks change when your vision is altered.

From there, the children were invited to understand how their eyes work in detail – with one pupil volunteering to take part in an optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan. The group then gathered in the test room, where the team explained the anatomy and inner workings of the eye.

To end the session, audiology director Tom Lowrie taught them how their hearing worked. Using a model ear and real-life hearing test equipment, the children learnt about how hearing loss is diagnosed and treated at Specsavers.

Mrs Clark, Class Teacher at Brackenfield School, says: ‘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.’

Caroline Sullivan, practice director at Specsavers Harrogate, says: ‘On behalf of the team, we wanted to thank the children at Brackenfield’s for their full engagement during the session.

‘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.

‘We’d love to welcome them back and invite surrounding schools to understand just how important our roles are in the local community and provide them with a sneak peek into the lives of optometrists and audiologists.’