In Scotland, more than 4,500 young people have vision impairment, yet it remains a misunderstood disability from an early age. This lack of understanding is particularly evident among preschool children, where early intervention is critical for visual and brain development, as well as overall wellbeing.
Early detection of vision impairment in preschool children holds immense significance for their future education and development. During the formative years, children learn primarily through visual cues, making vision an integral part of their education journey. Undetected vision problems can hinder a child’s ability to absorb information, impacting their academic performance, and hindering their social and cognitive growth.
Early identification allows for timely intervention and appropriate treatments, ensuring that children have access to the visual tools needed to engage fully in learning activities. Addressing vision issues at a young age can prevent academic setbacks, promote confidence in classroom participation and foster a positive attitude towards learning, laying a strong foundation for their educational success and lifelong wellbeing.
Our charity, Sight Scotland, along with Children in Scotland and Visibility Scotland, has launched a new free e-learning module aimed at improving understanding and support for preschool children with vision impairment. The e-module, titled Visual Impairment in Preschool Children, funded by Sight Scotland, will help people understand what visual impairment is and how to identify a child who may be affected. It will increase their knowledge of multisensory learning techniques and improve understanding of how to create inclusive and supportive environments.
Support such as this will help people understand visual impairment better and teach them how to recognise and assist affected children. The module will increase knowledge of common eye difficulties. It also looks at the importance of nutrition and eye health, and identifies key eye professionals who are there to help.
Small changes, big difference
The key issue here is that small changes and adjustments made at the right time in early childhood can greatly impact lifelong behaviours and success.
We need to ensure that, as much as possible, there is a level playing field for all preschool children when it comes to learning and development. It is essential that the learning environment for children with vision impairment is adapted to their specific needs, to ensure the building blocks are in place so that developmental milestones are met.
There is a lack of support for parents and preschool education providers in this area, but we envisage that the type of support provided by his module will help bridge this gap.
Vision impairment shouldn’t limit potential
Debbi Jennings-Oviatt, whose two-year-old daughter has vision impairment, agrees that early intervention is crucial for educational progress and overall development, but warns that parents need greater support.
“Parents need more help when their child is diagnosed with vision impairment,” she says. “The amount of information we were given was very overwhelming, and it was all verbal, which made it harder to understand. It felt like we had to become experts in Sofie’s condition and sight loss in general to be well informed.”
Debbi adds: “Vision impairment shouldn’t limit a child’s potential or impede them from accessing the same educational resources as their peers.
“Early intervention and improved levels of support can make a world of difference in a child’s educational path and shape their confidence and success for years to come.”
Colin Hilditch is head of community services at Sight Scotland
The Visual Impairment in Preschool Children E-module will soon be available on Children in Scotland’s e-learning hub. Visit Sight Scotland’s website for more details.
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