The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the day 24 January as International Education Day.  This date aims to emphasise the importance of education in promoting peace and sustainable development around the world.

 Education is a human right, an essential good and a public responsibility.

We take this day to reflect on an aspect that is often overlooked in the quest for educational excellence: the impact of vision on the learning process.

Education: The impact of visual health

Vision plays a vital role in the entire learning process. From the first years of school to academic and professional training, eye health influences the way we absorb and process information.

In the case of children, vision is even one of the most critical senses for their learning and development, not only academically, but also socially and behaviourally. It's estimated that around 80% of a child's learning is visual, which includes reading, writing, using computers and looking at the board. So it's easy to understand that visual difficulties that aren't detected in good time can be a significant cause of poor academic performance and self-esteem in children and young people, which is why it's very important for parents to be aware of the signs too.

Not only children, but also adults can face major challenges in the context of their professional training, as well as in their daily tasks, if they don't give due importance to their visual health.

Conditions such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism can affect reading and writing, jeopardising learning as well as all activities that require visual focus. In addition, the need for prolonged reading, exposure to digital screens and detailed tasks can cause eyestrain, which also directly affects productivity and well-being.

Education: The importance of vision screening

Prevention is always the best solution. Regular check-ups are essential to detect any eye problems at an early stage. Adults should have a full examination every two years, while children should have annual check-ups.

By investing in eye health and valuing lifelong education, we are building a Portuguese society that is more capable, resilient and ready to face the challenges of a constantly evolving world.