Sight, one of our most important senses, allows us to perceive and interact with the world around us. It is a catalyst that enables people to reach their true potential and it is estimated that 80 percent of learning is visual.
Hundreds of millions of children around the world suffer from myopia or nearsightedness, while millions more have some form of visual impairment. As part of the African Eye Institute’s One School at a Time (OSaaT) initiative, they visited Cavendish Primary School to conduct free vision screenings and test glasses for children who needed them. Field Coordinator Kesi Naidoo shares some insights into the life-changing project.
“This project is designed to ensure that every child has access to eye care and glasses when they need it so that they can reach their potential in life. The African Eye Institute identifies schools based on the living conditions of the parents and children, so generally schools in the lowest quintiles are selected. Today we are at Cavendish Primary, screening children to see if they have any problems with their eyesight. If they need glasses, we provide them. If they need treatment for other conditions, we provide them with a referral so they can go to the nearest hospital or clinic to access those services. We have already identified children here who have significant problems with their eyesight and whose lives would be much better with glasses,” explained Naidoo.
The headmistress, Mrs K. Govender, expressed her gratitude to the sight charity for its great service to her school.
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She said: “Over the course of the year we have noticed that many students have vision problems. I am very grateful for the partnership with the African Eye Institute because it helps my school, it helps the students and it helps the parents and the community. No child should be denied glasses.”
The organization is supported by CooperVision, OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, Berkeley Vision and Peek Vision. The program’s director, Nad Ramsaroop, praised them for their generosity, which allows his organization to do the good it does. He gave insight into the alarming, growing number of children suffering from myopia, or nearsightedness – an estimated 339.4 million children worldwide. Worse still, it is expected to affect more than 50 percent of the world’s population.
He added: “According to recognised international research, around 80 per cent of learning is visual. This includes work written on the board, diagrams, notes, practical displays and literature. All of this is critical for success and future employability. We help students in 30 to 40 schools a year but that is just the tip of the iceberg. Our work is dependent on funding and we have wonderful sponsors who enable us to do the work we do. However, we are always asking for donors so we can reach more children. Early identification is crucial and in underserved communities children may never have had a vision test.”
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