The sheer scale of people needing vision correction requires collective solutions. Partnership between public and private sector organizations can bring help to areas in need, as seen by a vision care initiative in Malaysia between one of Essilor’s optician customers and local Magnum Cares Foundation.
Tai Yee Shian was one of a team of four eye care professionals from Berjaya Optometry who led an eye screening campaign for school children in Alor Setah, one of the most important cities on the western Malay peninsula.
Some students travelled 25km to benefit from the screening and get a new pair of glasses
The event was supported by Essilor Malaysia and the Magnum Cares Foundation in Malaysia which has an active community program, in particular targeting education and youth-related projects. Over two days, the team screened around 100 students aged 7-10 years who typically had vision problems when following lessons. A significant number were found to have myopia and high astigmatism. Some students travelled 25km to benefit from the screening and get a new pair of glasses with their individual prescription. Berjaya Optometry returned to the school in September to equip students with their new glasses.
“Good visual acuity is essential for students’ schooling and homework. Only with proper correction can we help them to see and study better.” Myopia develops between the ages of 6 and 14 and early detection means it can be treated before it it’s too late. Myopia is a major public health challenge in Asia: in China, Korea and Singapore, three quarters of young people in urban centres are myopic.