Borderline on appropriateness from teacher Being a western (white) teacher at an Asian university I constantly have to worry about being the subject of gossip and rumors between students (and others). So, I do need to be more careful about my actions with students and how my intentions are viewed by others.

What if I see a student has a strange blink pattern? Should I consider that (potential need for glasses) integral to the learning process and pull that student aside to tell them or is it generally considered that teachers in my situation should only consider issues directly related to the subject matter?
Strange blink patterns are not necessarily a sign of a need for glasses, one of my students has similar symptoms as part of Tourette's Syndrome - there are a myriad of other reasons what this could be a symptom of.  Having said that, asking the students how they are individually as they enter class may give some insight.

Beyond that, I would ask your supervisor or someone in administration first if something has already been documented about the potential condition the student may have.  If not, then it is your superior, the nurse or someone in administration that should be informed of your concerns, this will do 2 things:


save any potential embarrassment for you and the student.
provide evidence of you chasing-up the concern through official channels