Eye tests for children Outdoor EYE TESTS for children are free and a local optician is urging the parents of pre-school children to bring in their children for an eye examination. Jonathan Pilbeam, Managing Director of Pilbeam Opticians in Mountsorrel, said: “Every child should have an eye test by the
New play equipment NEW PLAY equipment has been installed at the Halstead Road playing field. It has been provided by Mountsorrel Parish Council and consists of a multi-play system, roundabout, flying saucer, junior swings, infant swings and a slide. Two seats and two rubbish bins have also been installed. The equipment cost £65,000. The County Council’s Shire Grant scheme provided £10,000. The contractor was Wicksteed Leisure.
age of three and earlier if you think there may be a problem, particularly if there is a family history of eye ‘turns’ or ‘lazy eyes’” In a recent survey, half of parents did not take their children for regular sight tests and of these, 51% said they had never taken them. When asked why, one in four said they thought their children’s eyes were examined at school when in fact this is rarely the case. Alka Gosai is a Senior Optometrist at the Leicester Royal Infirmary and also has regular clinics at Pilbeam Opticians. Alka said: “Children do not need to read or recognise letters for us to obtain meaningful results. An undetected defect can affect progress at school – the white board may be completely blurred to a child with uncorrected short sight.” All children under 16 are entitled to a free eye examination, and this continues if they remain in full time education up to and including 18 years of age. If children need glasses, there is financial assistance in the form of a voucher which is used by the optician. Jonathan said: “An eye test for your children gives them the very best start at school, and allows them to maximise their potential in their formative years.”
Mountsorrel Post MARCH 2010 (30), page 9
activities CLIMBING, ARCHERY, canoeing and orienteering are some of the activities offered to families this spring and summer on activity days. Organised by the County Council and held at Beaumanor Hall, Woodhouse and Quorn Outdoor Learning Centre, all the events include the hire of safety equipment, use of changing facilities and instruction from experienced and qualified staff. Highlights of this year’s programme include: • Survivor: learn survival skills, build a shelter and a raft May 22 Dads & Lads, families October 23. 9.30am – 5.30pm, £15 • Explore the Soar: a guided journey by canoe from Quorn Hall exploring the Soar valley. Picnic in a meadow and ending at a family friendly riverside pub. Transport back to Quorn Hall provided. July 31, 9.30am – 4.30pm, £20 adults. £15 U16s. For enquiries and bookings call Marcia Bond 01509 412223. A brochure is available from libraries: ‘Activity Days and Courses 2010, Leicestershire Outdoor & Residential Learning Service’. www.leics.gov.uk/outdoorlearn