CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Eight-year-old Zoey from Barangay Agusan used to struggle with headaches every time she tried to read. Today, her world is coming into clear focus.
“Maka basa na gyud ko sa dool ug di na maglabad akong ulo. Thank you, Lion’s Club!” she said excitedly while wearing her new prescription eyeglasses.
Zoey is one of 193 public school children in Cagayan de Oro City who recently received free, customized eyewear through Lions Clubs International’s “Sight for Kids” program. The initiative aims to catch and treat poor eyesight early — a frequently overlooked barrier that can severely hinder a child's reading ability and overall academic performance.
The recent distribution at the Agusan Gymnasium benefited students from Agusan Elementary School, Bugo Elementary School, Cugman Elementary School, West City Central School, P.N. Roa Elementary School, and P.N. Roa Senior High School.
School nurses and organizers screened 6,000 children this school year to find the 193 students now wearing new eyewear. The Lions Clubs International Foundation funded these customized eyeglasses, ensuring every student received the perfect fit.
Mart Maandig, a past district governor of the Lions organization and current project manager, noted that the initiative has been transforming lives since 2006.
“Kini nga project started 2006, kini para i-screen ang school children from public schools para makita katong naay vision problem… para ma-improve ang panglantaw ug panan-aw sa bata,” Maandig said.
He emphasized that undiagnosed vision problems cast a long shadow over a student's potential, noting that “if the child has a vision difficulty, their future will also be blurry.”
With thousands of public school children already benefiting since the program's inception, organizers plan to expand the initiative to Tagoloan next year.
Parents who suspect their children may be struggling with poor vision are advised to coordinate with their school nurses for an initial screening to connect with the Lions Club program.
Meanwhile, Maandig is calling on more private organizations to step up and bridge the gaps in community health.
“Sudlan nato tong projects nga dili available sa gobyerno,” he said.
