Free sunnies

Free sunnies to protect pupils
By LEIGH VAN DER STOEP - Sunday Star Times | Sunday, 21 January 2007
MICHAEL BRADLEY/Sunday-Star Times

The future's so bright for kids starting school this year that each will get a free pair of sunglasses.

More than 20,000 five-year-olds will get sunnies as part of a national campaign to raise awareness about sun damage to eyes.

Visique Optometrists will provide participating schools with vouchers - by last week 746 had replied to the invitation.

Mt Maunganui optometrist Keith Miller said it was vital parents cared for their children's eyes.

"Children receive three times the annual UV exposure of adults. That means by the time you're 20, you've had 80% of the sun exposure you'll get in a lifetime."

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