Eyeglasses are a Home Run

I recommend this book for young children (athletic children, in particular) who are anxious about what wearing glasses may mean for their everyday routines. This also serves as a good introduction to the optometrist's office.

When Matt does poorly in class and on the baseball field, it's not because he's not smart or talented -- it's because he can't see clearly. Although he's initially worried about how he'll look with glasses, or whether or not he can play baseball with them, his world is opened up as he's able to have the same advantages as his better-sighted peers.

Matthew is a young boy who has very poor self-esteem. He does not think he can do anything right. He strikes out playing baseball, he can't read the blackboard and makes a lot of mistakes in school. One day while riding home on the bus, he realizes that everything he looks at is blurry. He tells his mom and she takes him to the eye doctor where he finds out that he needs glasses. At first he is worried that the other kids will tease him, but as he becomes successful at things like baseball, he develops confidence and no one teases him.

This is a great little book to help children understand how they need to be able to see properly to do things. If they need glasses, it is a good thing and if they are confident no one will tease them. I like that the optometrist takes time to explain things to Matthew as the exam goes on and about the glasses. The goggles for playing sports were a nice touch. I wish every parent would take their children to get their eyes tested regularly, especially before they start school.

Matt is really starting to struggle. He can't seem to hit the baseball and he can't see the blackboard. People think he might be stupid, when really it's his vision that is the cause. Matt doesn't want to wear glasses because he thinks that he won't be able to play baseball, but once he sees the doctor he finds out that there are special glasses for him. He can see and play baseball now. Great book for a child who may need glasses.

This book brings to light a very important element in the success of a child's life at school, in sports, and their overall quality of life.

Matt, a young boy who loves baseball, experiences the world around him to be fuzzy and blurry. He strikes out when he's up to bat several times and he misreads numbers that his teacher writes on the chalkboard which make his classmates laugh at his errors. On the bus ride home he sits all by himself and finds that the signs outside the windows are hazy looking too, confirming to Matt that something is wrong with his eyesight. Concerned, he tells his mother about what's happening to him and she immediately sets up an appointment with Dr. Levy an optometrist or "eye doctor."

Dr. Levy gives him a thorough eye examination and discovers that yes indeed glasses are in order. Poor Matt he knows he has to pose the question that is eating him most....can he wear glasses when he plays baseball? The kind doctor assures him that everything will be fine.

He is sent to the "frame room" where optician Lorraine helps Matt select the proper glasses, size and shape, for him to purchase.

"Do they come with bubble gum or a shoelace?" asked Matt."
"I play baseball! he said anxiously."
"How will I keep my glasses on?"

Do you think there is a satisfactory solution to Matt's eyeglasses dilemma? Are there special glasses that sportsmen can use while participating in the active games that they love? Oh my!

Matt's spectacles arrive the following week and when he puts them on he exclaims with glee...

"That's amazing? Everything's so clear!"

That Sunday Matt is up to bat, standing in position, and the ball is pitched to him... crack! With his new set of sportman glasses Matt becomes a superhero and his teammates praise and cheer because he hits a homerun!!!

This book is not only a wonderful story to read but is educational as well. Kids and parents need to know the importance of proper, professional eye care. We are blessed to have access to the best doctors in the world. Good eyesight is certainly key to your child's success in school, playing sports and life itself.