Perak: Excessive gadget use and limited outdoor activity have been identified as key factors contributing to vision problems among primary school pupils, particularly in the Kinta district.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Perak Clinical Research Centre head Datuk Dr D Philip Rajan reported on a 2023 field study involving six schools, which revealed that nearly 95 percent of 667 pupils had vision issues. The study was conducted at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Buntong, SK Guru Kalgidhar, SK Silibin, Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil (SJKT) Perak St Philomena Convent, SJKT Perak Sangeetha Sabah, and Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC) Guntong. Screenings showed that most pupils suffered from either short-sightedness or long-sightedness, impacting their concentration during lessons.
Dr Philip Rajan, who is also Head of the Otorhinolaryngology Department at Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital, emphasized that even mild vision problems can significantly affect pupils' concentration and academic performance. He noted that pupils with vision issues might be misperceived as disinterested or misbehaving, when in reality, they struggle to see clearly.
The programme aims to address these issues through early screening, which is essential to identify and tackle vision problems promptly, including providing appropriate eyeglasses. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Perak State Education Department (JPN), Perak Welfare and Charity Association (Perkam), and several private optometrists. It aims to expand access to vision screenings for primary school pupils.
Dr Philip Rajan highlighted that pupils identified with vision problems receive free corrective eyeglasses to ensure full participation in their learning. The programme at SJKC Jelapang is entirely supported by private-sector partners, without reliance on government funding.
Meanwhile, Perkam secretary K Nachemuthu stressed the importance of strong collaboration between NGOs, healthcare institutions, and the private sector to provide comprehensive vision screenings. The initiative not only detects vision problems early but also provides necessary treatment, ensuring pupils do not fall behind in their studies.
He added that the programme will be expanded to additional schools in rural and remote areas to maximize its impact, while also raising parental awareness about the importance of early vision screenings to support children's learning and development.