Concerned Mother: Thinks my son has poor vision, sits at back of classroom and it’s affecting his studies

Dear Agony Aunt,

I am writing to seek your advice about a concerning issue I am facing with my son. He is a primary school student and has been showing signs of poor vision. However, he is reluctant to get his eyes checked and refuses to wear glasses, even though I suspect he really needs them.

Plus, he has been sitting at the back of the classroom because of his height and I fear that he is doing so to hide the fact that he can’t see properly. I am worried that his education and well-being are being affected, and I don’t know how to convince him to seek help.

I would greatly appreciate any guidance or suggestions on how I can help my son overcome this resistance and take care of his eye health. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Concerned Mother

Dear Concerned Mother,

I understand your concern for your son’s well-being and the difficulties you are facing in convincing him to address his vision issues. It is common for children to feel self-conscious about wearing glasses, especially at a young age. However, it is crucial to prioritize his eye health and academic success.

I recommend having a heart-to-heart conversation with your son, emphasizing the importance of being able to see clearly in order to learn effectively. You can also involve the school’s teacher or counselor to help facilitate this discussion and ensure that your son receives the support he needs in the classroom.

Additionally, consider taking your son to a pediatric optometrist who specializes in working with children. They can provide a comprehensive eye exam in a child-friendly environment and offer options for glasses that your son may feel more comfortable wearing.

It’s important to approach this issue with patience and understanding, reassuring your son that wearing glasses is a positive step toward improving his vision and overall well-being. I hope these suggestions are helpful, and I wish you and your son all the best in addressing this concern.

Warm regards,
Agony Aunt