Ballymena optician on a mission to remove fear of eye tests among young pupils

Pupils at Harryville Primary School, Ballymena learned how to look after their eyes during a visit from the team at Fitzsimons Opticians

A Ballymena optician is taking eye care education straight into the classroom — with a clear goal: make eye tests feel normal, not frightening, for the next generation.

Children as young as four at Harryville Primary School were given a hands-on introduction to eye health this week, as local optician John Broderick set out to “take the fear out of eye exams” and challenge the stigma around wearing glasses.

Breaking the fear early

John, owner of Fitzsimons Opticians in Ballymena, has spent more than 30 years caring for patients — but says the key to long-term eye health starts much earlier than most people think.

Speaking to a group of four and five-year-olds, he introduced the basics of eye care in a way designed to feel familiar and reassuring.

“The aim was to give a very gentle introduction to eye health and how they can look after their eyes by eating a healthy diet and using sunglasses to protect them from the sun,” he said.

“We described in very basic terms what an eye exam is and talked about wearing glasses should they need them. We wanted to make the point that glasses are a good thing.”

Using familiar faces to change perceptions

To help bring the message home, John — joined by optical assistant Samantha Mogey — used well-known children’s television characters who wear glasses.

By linking eyewear with familiar and much-loved figures, the session helped pupils see glasses as something positive rather than something to be anxious about.

It’s a small shift in thinking, but one John believes can make a lasting difference.

“The idea is to help children feel less apprehensive about visiting an optician to get their eyes tested and to make sure it’s not traumatic if they do need glasses,” he explained.

“Talking to the whole class also helps because if someone in the class eventually needs glasses, there’s already an awareness among the children so there’s less stigma attached.”

Building lifelong habits

The visit also focused on simple, practical steps children can take to protect their eyesight — from diet to sun protection — helping lay the groundwork for healthy habits early in life.

Each pupil received a goodie bag, including a voucher for a free eye test for parents, extending the impact of the visit beyond the classroom and into family life.

John added:

“We were given a very warm welcome by the children and their teacher, Laura Bell.

“We are always happy to speak to children about eye health so they learn from an early age the benefits of protecting their eyesight. We encourage families to make eye exams a regular date in the diary in the same way dentist appointments are.”

A local practice with a long history

The outreach comes as Fitzsimons Opticians, based on William Street in Ballymena, celebrates its 40th anniversary — marking four decades of serving the local community.

The initiative reflects a broader shift towards preventative health education, with local professionals increasingly stepping into schools to engage directly with young people.

For Ballymena families, it’s a reminder that eye care doesn’t have to start with a problem — it can start with confidence.

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At a glance

• Ballymena optician John Broderick visited Harryville Primary School

• Talk delivered to pupils aged four and five

• Aim: reduce fear of eye exams and stigma around glasses

• Session used children’s TV characters to make the topic relatable

• Focus on healthy habits, including diet and sun protection

• Each child received a goodie bag and free eye test voucher for parents

• Initiative supports early awareness of eye health

• Fitzsimons Opticians recently marked 40 years in business

• Encouragement for families to treat eye tests like regular check-ups