(From left) Norzalina, Foo, Lim, Abdul Rahman and Chia at the event to present prescription glasses to students at SK Kampung Batu.
EYE-care solution provider Rohto Eye Care has conducted an outreach programme at three public schools in the Klang Valley.
The annual campaign reached over 2,400 students from SK Kampung Batu, SK Seri Cheras, and SK Kiaramas, including 30% from economically disadvantaged families.
In collaboration with Pintar Foundation and Focus Point Vision Care Group Sdn Bhd, Rohto Eye Care conducted engaging and informative educational talks on eye health while providing comprehensive eye health checks at the schools.
The campaign’s primary goal was to empower children with knowledge about their eyes, promote healthy eye care practices, and extend support to B40 students who required prescription glasses.
Rohto Eye Care also partnered with retail chain Watsons.
Throughout May, a portion of the sales from Rohto Eye Care products at Watsons stores nationwide was earmarked for the campaign fund.
Rohto-Mentholatum general manager Lim Mei Yuen said the company’s findings from the previous year, revealed the detrimental effects of excessive screen time on students’ eyesight, particularly because of online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Our aim is to educate students about invaluable eye care tips and exercises, enabling them to take proactive measures in maintaining optimal eye health,” said Lim.
“We are proud to have sponsored 79 pairs of prescription glasses, a tangible effort to improve the vision of underprivileged B40 students and provide them with the tools they need to succeed academically.
“We understand the struggles faced by some children who are unable to see clearly in class due to limited resources.”
Rohto Eye Care carried out a host of activities including blindfold games and an art contest to reinforce the importance of maintaining healthy eyes.
“We are immensely grateful for the initiative taken by Rohto Eye Care, as a significant number of our students come from underprivileged families,” said SK Kampung Batu headmaster Abdul Rahman Md Nor.
“Prescription glasses can be quite costly and many of our students who have vision issues are unable to afford a pair.
“Throughout this programme, our students and teachers have gained invaluable knowledge,” he said.
Present at the ceremony were Pintar Foundation general manager Norzalina Masom, Watsons Malaysia trading head Foo Hwei Jeik and Focus Point Vision Care assistant marketing manager Chia Chian Hui.
Impaired eyesight among children is a growing global concern, particularly in Asia.
Addressing this issue requires collective efforts to educate the public about how poor eye conditions can significantly impact a child’s eyesight and overall eye health.
Several factors contribute to poor eyesight, including genetics and lifestyle choices such as excessive screen time, reading in low light and lack of sleep.
Early detection of refractive errors is vital for timely intervention and effective treatment.
Parents are encouraged to remain vigilant for warning signs such as frequent squinting, persistent headaches, habitual eye rubbing, an inability to focus at appropriate distances and an avoidance of activities that rely on clear eyesight.
Promoting healthy eye habits is indispensable for preserving optimal eyesight in children.
It is crucial to instil the practice of taking regular breaks from screens, ensuring proper lighting for reading and studying, emphasising outdoor activities to alleviate eye strain and prioritising sufficient sleep.
Regular eye examinations play an indispensable role in monitoring visual health and proactively managing refractive errors.
