Eye Testing

*Last week, every Grade 2 learner that is part of the SHINE Centre (55 children in all) were given an eye test. While a majority of the students were fine - there were around 10 children who had problems with convergence, or 'meeting of the eyes'. Anne Chadwick, who administered the eye test, gave us two simple exercises that will be helpful to the children. She recommends that it is done about once a week with each child. The exercises are below.
CONVERGENCE EXERCISES:
1) Hold a pen at eye level 1/3rd metre away from the child's nose. Focus on the tip and move the pen towards the eyes, trying to maintain a single image for as long as possible. The pen should eventually be within 8 cms of the child's eyes. Hold that near position for a few seconds and then repeat the exercise 5-10 times.

2)Hold the pen at eye level as near to the face as it can be seen single. Look at the tip of the pen for a few seconds and then change focus to a distance object. Do this several times and increase the number with practice. This forces the eyes to converge and then to relax with ease therefore making close work more comfortable.


*Please make sure you have signed up for a station/table in the room for the day that you come and keep to your times. The sign up sheet is located to the RIGHT of the main door inside the SHINE Centre (main room). On certain days (Wednesday in particular), every table is filled so it is important to stick to your table and time.

*Mrs. Naidoo has requested, for security measures, that ALL volunteers please sign in at reception (the window to the left of the main window with bars) and don't forget to wear your name badge. As of 21/5 everyone has a name-tag.

Thanks everyone! Have a wonderful rest of the week.

Carrie M.