What should be done if a grade 8 student arrives with dirty, scratched glasses?

When a grade 8 student arrives with dirty, scratched glasses, it is essential to address the condition of the eyewear before any vision screening can take place. Sending the student to wash her glasses is the correct response because clean lenses can significantly improve visual clarity and the accuracy of any subsequent eye examination. If the glasses are not cleaned, the dirt and scratches can distort vision and lead to an improper assessment of the student's visual acuity and eye health.

Ensuring that the glasses are clean allows for a more accurate evaluation, enabling healthcare providers to identify any potential vision problems more effectively. In contrast, screening with dirty glasses could result in misleading results, and waiting until the next school year would unnecessarily delay any needed vision correction. Referring her to an eye doctor may also be premature without first determining whether her vision issues stem from the condition of her glasses. Therefore, having the student wash her glasses is the most appropriate and immediate step to take in this situation.