Having an Eye Test

Children's Literature - Elizabeth Leis-Newman

Students will learn the basics around when they will start having their eyes tested, what will happen, and why they might needs glasses. The biggest problem is that the book leaves out explaining the difference between an ophthalmologist, an optometrist and an optician. The term "eye expert" is used synonymously with optician, doing a disservice to children who should be visiting an ophthalmologist. Teachers will do better choosing a book that defines all three terms, along with a description of near-sightedness and far-sightedness. Sections do include who a child will meet during an eye test, what equipment is used, what other help is needed to see, whether the eye test will hurt and a too-short section on tips to keep eyes healthy. Another page on the latter, such as why and where one should wear goggles, or how to avoid eye injuries, would have given the overall package more substance. While there's an argument for not overloading an early elementary geared book with too many terms or information, the end result here is a book that feels too lightweight for its price point. This is part of the Heinemann Read and Learn series "Growing Up" and is listed as a Level K. Reviewer: Elizabeth Leis-Newman