“Vision impairment among my learners really caught my attention while teaching. They struggle to clearly see what I’m presenting on PowerPoint, as well as the printed materials used during group activities. As a result, their academic outputs have been negatively impacted,” shared Teacher Catherine Del Rosario.
Some students of Teacher Catherine were among the 194 recipients in San Pablo Central Elementary School in Laguna of free eyeglasses from Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) and Ideal Vision Center (IVC), distributed last January 27, 2025. These students underwent vision screening last October 30, 2024 and found to be in need of eyeglasses based on their eye conditions.
Faith, a Grade 2 student, shared her struggles with reading books and notes from the blackboard. She gets tired quickly when reading from a distance and experiences headaches from prolonged exposure.
“Ang programang ito ay tunay na nakakatulong sa mga estudyante upang magkaroon ng mas malinaw na paningin, hindi lamang sa pag-aaral kundi pati na rin sa araw-araw na buhay. Ang inyong malasakit at suporta ay nagbibigay ng pagkakataon para sa amin na magkaroon ng maliwanag na kinabukasan,” Faith said, expressing her gratitude for the eyeglasses.
Faith is just one of many students in public elementary schools who suffer from impaired eyesight which in turn affects their academic performance. For many families, the cost of eye exams and prescription glasses is a financial burden, with their income barely covering their basic needs.
“Alam po namin ang malaking epekto ng malabong paningin sa pag-aaral ng anak ko, pero hindi po namin kaya bumili ng salamin. Pinagkakasya lang namin ang budget ng pamilya. Malaking tulong po ito sa amin,” said Mrs. Ojales, Faith’s mother, who was relieved with her child being part of the program.
SBFI and IVC have already distributed a total of 1,013 eyeglasses across six schools in Batangas and Laguna, providing clearer vision for students whose families may not have the means to afford prescription glasses.
“I believe that God intends for each of us to use whatever resources He gave us to make a difference, wherever we are and whenever we can,” said SBFI Chairman Rafael F. Simpao, Jr.
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