Rainbow Bridge Malaysia (RBM), a non-profit government organization, in collaboration with the Malaysian Society of Ophthalmology (MSO), is pleased to announce the launch of the “Gift of Sight” programme. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive eye care services to underprivileged and rural children, including the Orang Asli community, addressing their vision impairments. The programme offers complimentary eye examinations, refraction services, and appropriate treatments for visual problems.
To ensure the sustainability of this program, Rainbow Bridge has entered into Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) with key stakeholders, including the Malaysian Society of Ophthalmology (MSO), the Association of Malaysian Optometrists (AMO), and the International Specialist Centre (ISEC).
According to a collaborative study by The Ministry of Health Malaysia and the South East Asia Community Observatory (SEACO), on visual impairment in Malaysian preschool students, the cause of refractive error among children aged four to six in Malaysia was 95.4%. The same study found that 61% of subjects suffered from bilateral visual impairment, and the prevalence of amblyopia (lazy eye) stood at 7.53% amongst the children.
Dr. Ong Kok Hai, the president of Rainbow Bridge Malaysia, emphasized the importance of clear vision for children’s growth and development. He stated, “Clear vision is crucial for normal growth, development, and appreciation of the world in children. Poor vision can impair their progress and mental development, hindering their overall life achievements.”
The programme provides complimentary prescription spectacles for children with myopia and offers cost-free services for children requiring other forms of vision treatment. In cases where children require more complex treatments, they will be referred to a government eye clinic to ensure they receive the highest level of care and specialized treatments.
Thani (not his real name to protect privacy), a 13-year-old from the Lighthouse Children’s Welfare Home Association, expressed his gratitude for the programme, saying, “Before getting my eyes checked, I always needed to go to the front of the class to read what was written on the blackboard. Now, with the help of prescription glasses, the writings on the blackboard are so much clearer regardless of where I’m seated in the classroom. The world looks so much more beautiful now that I can look at trees, flowers, and the sky with clear vision.”
Rainbow Bridge Malaysia aims to expand the programme’s coverage to other regions in Malaysia by the end of the year. To support this endeavor, they are running a fundraising campaign targeting their members, sponsors, and the public through crowdfunding. For more information about the “Gift of Sight” programme, please visit https://www.facebook.com/ourrainbowbridge.
To support and donate to the success of the “Gift of Sight” project, the public is welcome to contribute to Persatuan Kebajikan Rainbow Bridge Malaysia and through Public Bank, account number 3214965319 and quote “Gift of Sight” as reference.
