KUALA LUMPUR: LIONS Eye Clinic in collaboration with the Malaysian Medical Association and MAHSA University, with the support of the Ministry of Health, screened 68,136 primary school pupils from all states in the peninsula under its Lion “Sight For Kids” programme.
During the screening, 3,722 pupils were provided with free spectacles.
“Children with poor vision are unable to see the blackboard and pay attention in class, leading to poor results. They would be reprimanded in school which could result in rebellion or dropping out of school,” said Lions Eye Clinic chairman Dr J.P. Kamalanathan at the Lions Eye Clinic recently.
“Sessions are held at selected schools and those with poor vision are referred to optometrists.
“Free spectacles were then sponsored by the Lions Eye Clinic Foundation,” said Dr Kamalanathan.
Present were Tengku Temenggong Kelantan and Tengku Puan Temenggong Kelantan.
The ongoing project was conducted by the Lions Eye Clinic with support from teachers from the Education Ministry, staff of the Health Ministry, Association of Malaysian Optometrists and volunteers.
Launched in February, the programme aimed to screen 50,000 pupils.
However, as of last month, all screenings were completed and the programme would be launched in Sabah and Sarawak soon.
Located within MAHSA University’s premises off Jalan Universiti, the Lions Eye Clinic is the first one in Malaysia.
As of June 26, the clinic has performed 745 cataract operations, including 4,067 outpatient treatments for various eye ailments.
The clinic is open from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
It is funded by donations and provide free and partly-subsidised services, including cataract operations.
