In a bold move to combat rising vision issues among schoolchildren, the Sindh Education Department has launched student eye screenings across all government schools. The program comes amid growing concern over the effects of screen time on children’s eyesight.
Province-Wide Testing Begins
The department has instructed school heads in every district to fully support the campaign. A No Objection Certificate (NOC) has been granted to a non-governmental organisation (NGO) tasked with carrying out the screenings. Every student will undergo a basic eye exam, and those in need will receive prescription glasses—completely free of charge.
Tackling the Impact of Screens
Dr. Fouzia Khan, Chief Advisor of the Curriculum Wing, said mobile phone use is taking a toll on children’s vision. “This is an urgent matter. Schools must take part actively to prevent long-term damage,” she emphasized.
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Early Detection, Better Learning
Experts say undiagnosed vision problems like nearsightedness and farsightedness can hinder both academic performance and daily life. Regular screenings can detect issues early, making a significant difference in a child’s development and education.
Bridging the Gap in Eye Care
Many children in remote or low-income areas lack access to basic eye care due to financial constraints and poor health infrastructure. As a result, thousands suffer in silence without ever knowing they have a problem. This initiative is a vital step to bridge that gap.
Calls for Long-Term Reform
Health professionals have long pushed for mandatory vision tests at the time of school admission. They argue that just like vaccines or hearing tests, eye health must be a part of basic school entry requirements.
A Model for Other Provinces
The Sindh program sets a precedent for how other provinces can tackle preventable health issues in schools. If successful, it could become a model nationwide, ensuring that no child is left behind due to something as fixable as poor eyesight.
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