By Our Correspondent
Simple and routine eye examinations, together with access to appropriate glasses, could more than double the lifetime earnings of a child growing up in Tanzania, according to new research highlighting the economic and educational benefits of correcting vision problems early in life.
Eye health experts are urging parents in Tanzania to prioritise eye examinations for their children before schools reopen for the new term, stressing that early detection and correction of vision problems could be one of the most valuable investments parents make in their children’s future.
New findings released by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) identify Tanzania among 23 countries where correcting childhood vision problems could increase a child’s lifetime earnings by more than double.
According to the findings, uncorrected refractive errors are among the major causes of poor vision in children, preventing adequate light from being properly focused on the light-sensitive part of the eye.
The condition is estimated to contribute to children in Tanzania losing a total of 27,178 years of schooling, potentially affecting their ability to learn and participate fully in the classroom.
However, the research indicates that if a vision problem is detected early, at around the age of five, and corrected through appropriate glasses until the child reaches the age of 18, the intervention could increase the child’s lifetime earnings by 124 per cent.
The IAPB has therefore called on parents and caregivers to ensure that children receive regular eye examinations whenever possible, particularly before they begin school or return for a new school term.
As part of its efforts to raise awareness, the organisation has launched the “Love Your Eyes Back-to-School” campaign, an initiative aimed at promoting children’s eye health through information shared during school assemblies, classroom activities and materials that students can take home to their parents and caregivers.
Peter Holland, Chief Executive Officer of the IAPB, said routine eye examinations and access to glasses could represent one of the most important investments parents can make in their children’s future.
“Simple and routine eye examinations and glasses can be one of the best investments a parent can make in their child’s future,” Holland said.
He acknowledged that some parents may face challenges in arranging or paying for eye examinations and glasses, and called on governments to ensure that every child has access to eye testing and appropriate spectacles.
“Every child deserves to see clearly when they first enter school or return to school for a new term after the holidays,” he said.
Sumrana Yasmin, Technical Director for Inclusive Health at Sightsavers, said every child deserves the opportunity to see, learn and thrive, stressing the importance of investing in children’s eye health.
She said the value of investing in eye examinations and glasses goes beyond preventing vision loss, as it can also help children realise their potential, transform their lives and ensure that no child is left behind.
Meanwhile, Anadine Marshall, Director of Programmes at CharityVision International, said a child who cannot see the classroom board clearly could easily be mistaken for a child who is struggling to learn.
“A simple eye test can identify a problem that might otherwise go undetected for years,” Marshall said.
She added that reaching children through schools and providing glasses when needed could remove a relatively simple barrier that may have a significant impact on education, confidence, aspirations and future opportunities.
The IAPB’s call comes ahead of the first-ever World Leaders’ Meeting on Eye Health, scheduled to take place in Antigua and Barbuda on November 2, where heads of state and partners are expected to make commitments aimed at strengthening eye care globally.
The IAPB is the global alliance for the eye health sector, bringing together more than 250 member organisations across more than 100 countries. The alliance works towards a world where everyone has universal access to eye care and where no one is needlessly visually impaired.
Sightsavers is an international organisation working with governments and partners in more than 30 low- and middle-income countries across Africa and Asia to tackle avoidable blindness and vision impairment, including cataracts and refractive errors such as short-sightedness.
The organisation also works to address neglected tropical diseases and promote equal access to healthcare, education and employment for people with disabilities.
Simple and routine eye examinations, together with access to appropriate glasses, could more than double the lifetime earnings of a child growing up in Tanzania, according to new research highlighting the economic and educational benefits of correcting vision problems early in life.
Eye health experts are urging parents in Tanzania to prioritise eye examinations for their children before schools reopen for the new term, stressing that early detection and correction of vision problems could be one of the most valuable investments parents make in their children’s future.
New findings released by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) identify Tanzania among 23 countries where correcting childhood vision problems could increase a child’s lifetime earnings by more than double.
According to the findings, uncorrected refractive errors are among the major causes of poor vision in children, preventing adequate light from being properly focused on the light-sensitive part of the eye.
The condition is estimated to contribute to children in Tanzania losing a total of 27,178 years of schooling, potentially affecting their ability to learn and participate fully in the classroom.
However, the research indicates that if a vision problem is detected early, at around the age of five, and corrected through appropriate glasses until the child reaches the age of 18, the intervention could increase the child’s lifetime earnings by 124 per cent.
The IAPB has therefore called on parents and caregivers to ensure that children receive regular eye examinations whenever possible, particularly before they begin school or return for a new school term.
As part of its efforts to raise awareness, the organisation has launched the “Love Your Eyes Back-to-School” campaign, an initiative aimed at promoting children’s eye health through information shared during school assemblies, classroom activities and materials that students can take home to their parents and caregivers.
Peter Holland, Chief Executive Officer of the IAPB, said routine eye examinations and access to glasses could represent one of the most important investments parents can make in their children’s future.
“Simple and routine eye examinations and glasses can be one of the best investments a parent can make in their child’s future,” Holland said.
He acknowledged that some parents may face challenges in arranging or paying for eye examinations and glasses, and called on governments to ensure that every child has access to eye testing and appropriate spectacles.
“Every child deserves to see clearly when they first enter school or return to school for a new term after the holidays,” he said.
Sumrana Yasmin, Technical Director for Inclusive Health at Sightsavers, said every child deserves the opportunity to see, learn and thrive, stressing the importance of investing in children’s eye health.
She said the value of investing in eye examinations and glasses goes beyond preventing vision loss, as it can also help children realise their potential, transform their lives and ensure that no child is left behind.
Meanwhile, Anadine Marshall, Director of Programmes at CharityVision International, said a child who cannot see the classroom board clearly could easily be mistaken for a child who is struggling to learn.
“A simple eye test can identify a problem that might otherwise go undetected for years,” Marshall said.
She added that reaching children through schools and providing glasses when needed could remove a relatively simple barrier that may have a significant impact on education, confidence, aspirations and future opportunities.
The IAPB’s call comes ahead of the first-ever World Leaders’ Meeting on Eye Health, scheduled to take place in Antigua and Barbuda on November 2, where heads of state and partners are expected to make commitments aimed at strengthening eye care globally.
The IAPB is the global alliance for the eye health sector, bringing together more than 250 member organisations across more than 100 countries. The alliance works towards a world where everyone has universal access to eye care and where no one is needlessly visually impaired.
Sightsavers is an international organisation working with governments and partners in more than 30 low- and middle-income countries across Africa and Asia to tackle avoidable blindness and vision impairment, including cataracts and refractive errors such as short-sightedness.
The organisation also works to address neglected tropical diseases and promote equal access to healthcare, education and employment for people with disabilities.
No comments:
Post a Comment