Around 250 underprivileged senior citizens in Singapore participated in a free eye screening camp and also took home optical eyewear as part of an event organised by Optometry Giving Sight, to mark World Sight Day 2012 in October, 2012.
The vision screening included tests for pathology conditions as well as refraction. This event was coordinated with the support of the optometry departments of the Manchester University, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic, and Singapore Optometric Association.
Dr Stan Isaacs, Chairman of Optometry Giving Sight in Singapore, said, “Many people take healthy sight for granted. Some do not have access to regular eye examinations or spectacles that can significantly prevent impaired vision. Underprivileged senior citizens especially may not have the financial means or do not understand the importance of regular checks to maintain their eye health. As a result, many are suffering from vision impairment and other eye health problems that can be prevented.”
Spectacle lenses donated by Carl Zeiss and Essilor were prescribed and provided free to those in need, with specialist referrals made for people with serious eye and vision problems. Spectacle frames were donated by Optique Paris Miki Singapore, Nanyang Optical and Stan Isaacs.
