A French lens-maker has launched an initiative to provide free eye check-up to children belonging to low-income Indian families in Singapore.
Essilor in collaboration with Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA), a self-help group has launched Vision Foundation that will raise awareness among parents about the importance of eye exams for children, said the group's chairman and chief executive Hubert Sagnieres.
More than 300 children from low-income households will be treated under this initiative and those requiring eyesight correction will also be provided with free eyeglasses.
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In Singapore, eight in 10 people are short-sighted by the time they turn 18, the group said.
This is why early intervention is crucial, said Singapore Environment and Water Resources Minister Vivian Balakrishanan at the launch of the foundation.
"If they had a problem and you did not resolve it early enough, even if the eye surgeon came about later on, you may never be able to restore full organ function," he said.
Last month, Essilor had launched a similar initiative in India.
