Hosting an interactive Eye Heroes workshop is simple.
Our programme is currently paused while we recruit a new Project Lead, we will update this page once we are ready to restart the workshops.
Read the Eye Heroes guide for schools and other groups (pdf)
Half of all blindness can be avoided if we can catch eye problems early.
Sadly, avoidable blindness is on the rise, especially in underserved communities across the UK – such as BAME groups, the elderly, and low income households. Around 1 million people are living with avoidable sight loss in the UK - this is estimated to double by 2050.
Eye Heroes is the UK’s first child-led campaign to fight avoidable blindness. Children are trained to become eye health champions, and inform people in their families and communities about eye health and the benefits of regular eye tests.
Eye Heroes workshops:
The Eye Heroes programme includes two workshops, which take place at least four weeks apart
In Workshop 1, children will:
Learn about their eyes and how to take care of them
Consider the effects of sight loss and learn how to challenge bullying related to poor vision and glasses
Take on the challenge of spreading the Eye Heroes message safely and politely with family and friends online
In Workshop 2, children will:
Report back (confidentially) on how many people they spoke to about eye health
Learn and practice basic data collection
Realise how far their efforts go in making a difference to their communities through word of mouth
Why host an Eye Heroes workshop?
Eye Heroes workshops are child-centred.
Our workshops empower children to start a wider conversation about eye health with their friends and family.
Over 40% of those who hear our message go on to have an eye check, thanks to the children who take up the Eye Heroes challenge.
Read the Eye Heroes guide for schools and other groups (pdf)
“The activities were appropriately pitched to the children’s age and interest, and also informed them of the importance of eye care and what they – as individuals – can do.”
frequently asked questions
Q. How does the Eye Heroes programme work?
A. Schools can sign up for a free workshop, just let us know when would be convenient and we will do our best to find volunteers. It’s as simple as that!
Q. How do I know Eye Heroes is a credible organisation?
A. Eye Heroes was founded by professional optometrist Yusrah Shweikh to help address avoidable sight loss. We have won awards for our work with schools which began in 2016, and we have an Advisory Board of qualified professionals who help with governance and oversight. As well as being a non-profit organisation, Eye Heroes is a registered Community Interest Company which is subject to regulation.
Q. Can you facilitate multiple workshops in one day?
A. Absolutely, we have a large team of volunteers so we will do our best to find volunteers to facilitate all the workshops you need. In particular, if we facilitate workshops online, we are able to use breakout rooms to facilitate multiple classes at the same time.
Q. How long does a workshop take?
A. Workshops last around 45–55 minutes
Q. What support does the school need to offer?
A. We need access to a projector to show the videos. If the workshop is taking place online, we need to use a Zoom or Teams link to set up the call. Since our volunteers don’t know your students, we would expect that a classroom teacher will be present in the workshop to help.
Q. Can the workshops take place online?
A: Yes.
Q. Are the volunteers DBS checked?
A. Our background checking process is in line with government guidance for volunteers who are carrying out occasional work with children. Because our volunteers are always supervised by a school staff member, they are not required to have a DBS check. However, we do conduct a reference check on all volunteers as a safeguard.
Q. I’m in! How do we register for workshops?
A. Send an email to info@eyeheroes.org.uk
Q. How can I find out further information?
A. Once you have read the Schools Guide, please direct any additional questions to coordinator@eyeheroes.org.uk