Vision Care Optical Services, one of Sri Lanka’s largest eyewear and hearing solutions providers, launched ‘Vision Care Primary Eye Screening Programme’ in parallel to the ‘World Optometry Week’.
The objective of this islandwide programme is to promote eye health awareness among school children as well as private and public organisations, while empowering communities with essential tools for eye health promotion. This programme is aligned with the global theme for World Optometry Week, ‘Advancing Optometry’s Commitment to Global Eye Care’.
During the launch, it was revealed about a distribution of tailor made ‘Vision Care Eye Screening and Educational Toolkit’ to over 100 schools.
This toolkit includes essential components including comprehensive eye screening tools, educational materials and guidelines for implementing effective eye health programmes within school settings. Additionally, it provides access to professional support, connecting schools with local optometrists and eye care professionals for further assessments and treatments if necessary.
Vision Care Optical Services General Manager Harsha Maduranga stated “We believe that good eye health is fundamental to overall well being. Through this initiative, we are focusing on empowering communities with the necessary tools and knowledge to prioritize eye health, starting with our younger generation. With 2.2 billion people in the world experiencing some form of visual impairment, according to the World Health Organisation, the role of optometrists is more crucial than ever.”
Consultant Eye Surgeon and President of the College of Ophthalmologists Sri Lanka, Dr Amila De Alwis speaking at the occasion mentioned that the number of patients with eye diseases are rising. With children staying away from outdoor activities and getting used to mobile phones, causing a tendency of increasing child eye patients.
He also stated the importance of increasing general awareness and screening for areas such as glaucoma, diabetes related eye problems and children’s vision issues to pick these up early, enabling better outcomes.
Vision Care Head of Academy cum Head of Optometry Vidya Jayarathna emphasised the company’s commitment to nurturing future eye professionals.
“Vision Care Primary Eye Screening Programme and Vision Care Eye Screening and Educational Toolkit, serve as invaluable assets for fostering eye health awareness and enabling early detection of vision issues. Furthermore, comprehensive information and support are available through the Vision Care branch network. We encourage schools and organisations to reach out to Vision Care to leverage these resources and receive additional assistance in establishing effective eye health initiatives within their communities,” added Jayarathna.
Any Institute acquiring one of these eye screening toolkits for their respective communities can easily do so by contacting Vision Care.
THUSHAN JAYASURIYA