On October 24, Vision Express delivered EyestarTM Mission, a new classroom-based awareness programme for children aged six to ten at Moorlands Primary School, in Reading.

The pupils followed the adventures of space characters Charlie, Skyler, and Eyo, earning badges for reaching milestones along the way.

The initiative aimed to combat the rapidly increasing myopia epidemic, otherwise known as short-sightedness, which is a widespread eye condition that causes distant objects to appear blurred.

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This condition is especially concerning for children as 80 per cent of learning occurs through vision, but one in three children cannot see their classroom whiteboard properly.

A survey by Ipsos and Essilor Stellest lenses found a significant lack of understanding surrounding childhood myopia, with 94 per cent of parents wrongly believing that wearing glasses alone will solve the problem.

Faryal Zafar, optometrist and store manager at Vision Express Reading Napier, said: "Myopia, or short-sightedness, is when a child can see close up objects but struggles to see objects far away clearly, such as the whiteboard at school.

"This typically develops in children of school age and the younger a child becomes myopic, the more likely they will develop higher levels of myopia."

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Ms Zafar explained that lifestyle changes and wearing myopia control spectacle lenses, like Essilor Stellest lenses, could slow down myopia progression.

She suggested outdoor play for two hours a day and reducing screen time as beneficial activities.

She added: "Myopia can progress rapidly, so it’s important for children to have a regular eye examination, and under 16s are entitled to free NHS-funded eye examinations."

The EyestarTM Mission educational programme, created by Essilor, aims to empower children to take ownership of their eye health.

The programme combines short videos, activities, and key learnings for a comprehensive and memorable experience.

Mrs Sherie Brown, year three class teacher at Moorlands Primary School, said: "The session really supported our P.S.H.E curriculum especially as it promoted the importance of looking after our eyes and keeping them healthy.

"The session was interactive with videos and games, and the children were engaged throughout.

"After each unit, they were able to recall the information provided to answer questions about myopia.

"I would definitely invite Vision Express back next year to repeat the session with the new cohort."

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Essilor Stellest lenses are clinically proven to slow down myopia progression by 67 per cent on average, compared to single vision lenses, when worn for at least 12 hours a day every day.

This innovative approach to combating the myopia epidemic offers hope for the future eye health of children.