R Nettl Optometrist

04/08/2025

Full Comprehensive Eye Examination R350

05/06/2025

18/03/2025

The Importance of Good Vision in Learning

Good vision plays a crucial role in a child's education, as 80% of academic learning is visual.

A child knows what they see, but not how well they see.

Teachers and parents must be aware of a learner’s visual abilities. Our goal is to ensure that no child struggles in school due to an undiagnosed and untreated vision-related learning problem.

With the increasing use of digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers, children's visual demands have changed significantly over the past +10 years.

Through vision screenings conducted in many schools in Port Elizabeth over the last 20 years, I have observed concerning trends, including:

Poor reading abilities, impacting both learning to read and reading to learn
Frequent mistakes when copying from the board
Confusing letters like “b” and “d”
Holding reading and writing materials too close to the face
Complaints of tiredness, loss of concentration, and frustration after short periods of near work

Most recently, myopia (short-sightedness) has been increasing at an alarming rate among learners. Annual vision screenings are essential to detect and address these issues early, ensuring every child has the best opportunity to succeed.

We strongly encourage schools to prioritize annual vision screenings to ensure that no child is held back by an undiagnosed vision problem. Early detection and intervention can make a significant difference in a learner’s academic performance and overall well-being.

If you would like to arrange a screening for your learners or require further information, please feel free to contact us.

12/02/2025

Love your eyes this Valentine’s Day! 👓❤️ Did you know that eye health is linked to overall health? Keep your vision clear and strong by scheduling a routine eye exam. Whether you wear glasses, contacts, or want to learn more about LASIK, we’ve got you covered. This February, give yourself the gift of good vision! 🎁