In a collaborative effort to enhance students’ learning abilities through improved vision health, Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) and Ideal Vision Center provided free vision screenings to students from six SBFI school building beneficiary elementary schools in Batangas and Laguna. The screenings took place between October and December 2024 at Laguna Resettlement Community School, San Pablo Elementary School, Lemery Pilot Elementary School, Sta. Anastacia Elementary School, Caingin Elementary School, and Sto. Tomas North Central Elementary School.

Schools were asked to prioritize students who are struggling readers to determine if poor eyesight contributes to their reading difficulties. Of the 1,415 students screened, 1,050 will receive free, custom-fit eyeglasses from Ideal Vision Center in January-February 2025.

“This project complements SBFI’s holistic approach to education, which includes classroom construction and teacher training,” said SBFI Chairman Rafael F. Simpao, Jr. “The difference we make in the lives of our students, no matter how small, is vitally important. Let us commit to improving education in our country, one child at a time,” Simpao added.

Ideal Vision Center President Dra. Mary Chan expressed warmth about the partnership, stating, “Partnering with Security Bank Foundation is a dream come true! Together, we provide underprivileged but deserving students with the resources they need to succeed. These prescription eyeglasses will help improve their sight and pave the way for a brighter future.”

Ateneo Center for Educational Development will evaluate the program’s impact by comparing students’ reading abilities before and after receiving eyeglasses.

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