Local optical service provider Eye Q Optical is reinforcing its commitment to improving eye health and vision care for children through its flagship corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, ‘Mission Vision.’ This year, in recognition of World Sight Day on October 10, Eye Q Optical will align its efforts with the global theme, ‘Love Your Eyes,’ which emphasizes the specific vision needs of children.
World Sight Day, observed annually on the second Thursday in October, serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of protecting eye health. The observance raises awareness about vision impairment and blindness while promoting the need for proper eye care. It also aims to debunk common myths surrounding vision, paving the way for a world where children are free from the social stigma often associated with wearing glasses or other corrective devices.
This year’s theme highlights the significance of eye care for young people and encourages children globally to appreciate their vision. Currently, 450 million children around the world do not receive the treatment they need for vision-related conditions. Addressing these impairments can enhance educational opportunities, boost self-confidence, and facilitate easier play and social interactions. In many cases, something as simple as a pair of glasses can unlock a child’s potential.
The ‘Mission Vision’ initiative, launched to support underprivileged children, has successfully screened thousands over the past decade and provided hundreds of eyewear at no cost, thanks to partnerships with frame and lens suppliers such as Marchon Eyewear, Kouture Ventures, and Hoya Lens UK.
“At Eye Q Optical, we take pride in giving back to our community, especially to our youth. One of the key ways we do this is through our Mission Vision initiative,” said Dr. Aron Wohl, CEO and lead optometrist at Eye Q Optical. “Witnessing a child put on their first pair of glasses and light up with excitement as they see the world clearly for the first time is incredibly rewarding. We have received reports from schools indicating that children who were previously underperforming academically have shown remarkable improvement simply because they can now see more clearly. As we celebrate World Sight Day, we reaffirm our commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of these children.”
The Mission Vision initiative has made a significant impact on children from various institutions, including SOS Children’s Village, Silvia Foot Basic School, Allman Town Primary, Seaview Gardens Primary, Maxfield Children Home, and Wortley’s Girls Home. Recently, the team visited McAuley Primary School in St. Catherine.
Claudia Byer, principal of McAuley Primary, expressed her gratitude for the support from Eye Q Optical. “Early detection is crucial when it comes to eye health,” she stated. “In a school environment, many children are perceived as struggling academically when, in fact, they may have undiagnosed vision problems affecting their learning. I’ve witnessed children with nearsightedness and other vision issues whose families may not afford eye care or may be unaware of the problem. We are incredibly grateful to Eye Q Optical for providing these screenings free of charge. Their generosity is invaluable, and their thoroughness and kindness will undoubtedly make a significant difference in our students’ lives.”
Karen Scarlett, a client care coordinator at Eye Q Optical, detailed the screening process conducted at McAuley Primary School. “We screen the children, and if we identify any issues, we provide a letter for their parents, instructing them to bring the child for a free consultation with the doctor. If the child requires glasses, they receive them at no cost. Myopia is quite common at this stage, so we pay close attention to that and other potential eye problems.”
Since its inception in 2013, the ‘Mission Vision’ initiative has transformed the lives of countless Jamaican children by offering free eye screenings and eyewear to those who otherwise lack access to essential vision care.
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