Delivery of free spectacles continue

“Your eyesight is precious, that is why having regular eye tests is so important,” said UTAR Council Chairman Tun Dr Ling Liong  Sik.

Tun Ling highlighting the importance of having good vision 

Following the successful school visits-cum-eye screening projects to a total of four schools in Perak last year, UTAR Council Chairman Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik led the year’s first delegation to visit and distribute free spectacles to 98 school students from SJK (C) Thung Hon, Cenderong and SJK (C) Bemban, Batu Gajah on 5 January 2017.

Two Standard Six students from SJK (C) Thung Hon each receiving spectacles from Tun Ling and Douglas Lee, while Prof Chin (in white) looks on

Driven by the desire to serve the community, the project was a collaborative effort between UTAR and the Malaysian Association of Practising Opticians (MAPO) to help young students, especially the poor and those in need of spectacles, to get free spectacles.

Tun Ling was accompanied by UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, UTAR Council Member Hew Fen Yee, Head of the Department of Soft Skills Competency of Kampar Campus Hee Chwen Yee and other UTAR staff.

The delegates from UTAR were cordially received by SJK(C) Thung Hon Principal Lai Yoke Kam, SJK (C) Bemban, Batu Gajah Principal Lee Wai Men, MAPO Vice President Douglas Lee C.K., England Optical Group Founder Prof Dato’ Dr Chin See Keat Sin, and teachers and students from both schools.

Tun Ling (fourth from left) and the other delegates with SJK (C) Thung Hon students and teachers

Tun Ling (fourth from left) and the other VIPs with SJK (C) Bemban students and teachers

Titled “The Gift of Eyesight”, the project was mooted by Tun Ling with the objective to serve and improve the quality of life of schoolchildren in Perak and other states of Malaysia in need of spectacles.

In his speech, Tun Ling spoke on the importance of having good eyesight and said, “Providing spectacles to young students help to raise young children’s grades, improving their education. Apart from that, healthy vision enables young students to improve their quality of life from childhood into adulthood and to contribute actively in society.”

He further explained, “Poor vision can have a big influence on young students’ lives. If a child’s vision is not corrected while they are in school, it may lead to a critical condition in future. An eye test and a pair of spectacles can dramatically improve their lives. UTAR is indeed proud to work together with MAPO to make eye care accessible to needy students. I would like to thank MAPO and England Optical Group Founder Dato’ Chin for their noble act of collaborating with UTAR to give back to the community.”

Douglas Lee sharing tips with students and parents on how to protect their eyesight

Douglas Lee in his speech elucidated, “It was an exciting experience to bring vision care to the children in these remote villages. Our objective is to build sustainable and affordable eye care facilities that are available to everyone.” He added, “We are indeed very proud and honoured to be associated with UTAR in providing free spectacles to needy students. We are glad that we are able to improve the vision of poor students and at the same time reduce the burden of poor parents.”

Principal Lai of SJK(C) Thung Hon said, “Thank you UTAR and MAPO. Despite having had vision problems for years, many students had never had the opportunity to screen their eyes and get access to a pair of spectacles. It was a great opportunity for students to get free spectacles through this project. The students and parents are very thankful for your help.”

Principal Lee of SJK (C) Bemban said, “We sincerely thank UTAR and MAPO for their kind support and we are indeed grateful to be one of the recipients of free spectacles. The project has enabled the students to improve their eyesight and we hope it can bring some positive changes to the lives of students.”

As part of their Corporate Social Responsibility programme, the England Optical Group also joined the benevolent act and sponsored a total of 300 spectacle frames valued at RM15,000 to the needy school students.

Prof Chin (fourth from right) presenting a mock cheque to Tun Ling (second from left), while (from left) Lee, Hew, Douglas Lee and Prof Choong look on

This project is part of the various community engagement projects by UTAR and reflects UTAR as a university “by the people, for the people”.