KUDAT: Parents have been urged to ensure their children undergo regular eye examinations to detect vision problems early before they affect learning and development, Sabah Women, Health and People's Wellbeing Minister Datuk Julita Majungki said.
Speaking through Sabah Women's Advisory Council (MPWS) Chairperson Datuk Rosmawati Lasuki at the Eye Screening Programme and presentation of spectacles at SMK Pinawantai recently, Julita said many parents were unaware that declining academic performance or inattentive behaviour could be caused by undiagnosed eyesight problems.
She said good vision was essential for effective learning as untreated eyesight problems could affect students' ability to read the whiteboard, follow lessons, complete assignments and participate confidently in class.
Julita said the three-day programme from July 27 to 29 provided free eye examinations and spectacles to a few hundred students, adding that the initiative was especially meaningful for B40 families in rural Matunggong where access to healthcare services remained limited.
Meanwhile, Rosmawati said 300 students from SMK Pinawantai, SMK Matunggong, SK Pinawantai and SK Matunggong were selected to receive free eye examinations and prescribed spectacles under the programme jointly organised by MPWS and the Sabah Women's Affairs Department (Jhewa) with several local agencies and Specktruck Sdn Bhd.
