A new programme aimed at tackling the difficulties experienced by children with dyslexia and reading issues is being backed by Foyle SDLP MP Mark Durkan.
Foyle MP Mark Durkan supporting the Schoolvision programme at Eglinton Eyecare. Included (from left to right) are Jean Kelly, Schoolvision optometrist, Cheryl McDermott, dispensing assistant, Wendy McKnight, dispensing assistant and Tim Cairns, dispensing optician.
Mr Durkan was speaking after visiting Eglinton Eyecare in Derry (a member of the Sight Care network for independent opticians) to support the Schoolvision programme.
Mr Durkan said: “I was delighted to support this new programme and the Schoolvision opticians from Eglinton Eyecare who are trained in the way children’s eyes work as they read – in particular the relationship between their vision and dyslexia.
“They were able to tell me about the local schools they have been working with – and importantly the real difference they are making in terms of fulfilling a child’s potential by helping to improve their ability to read and interpret words.”
Jean Kelly, Eglinton Eyecare’s owner and Schoolvision practitioner said by using established sight tests and corrective spectacles, Schoolvision worked with children to reinforce the dominant eye and improve their ability to read.
Ms Kelly added: “We would like to thank Mark Durkan who took time out of his busy schedule to spend over an hour in the practice.
“He took a real interest in how important eyecare is to everyone – and in particular our Schoolvision programme for children struggling at school.
“When we all read, just one dominant eye should take over the job of aiming at the words. But if both eyes try to do the same job, the words and letters appear to shift out of order – sending confused messages to the brain which can cause difficulties in reading and spelling, headaches and fatigue.”
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