August is National Children’s Vision and Learning Month
It’s National Children’s Vision and Learning Month!
Stand with the Organization for the Prevention of Blindness (French acronym: OPC) to ensure no child falls behind in school when a simple eye exam and a pair of glasses are the solution.
Did you know that 80% of the information children are taught in school is presented visually? From observing the blackboard to reading books, the students have to use their eyes all day long to learn. Healthy eyes are essential to develop a thriving mind!
That’s what the Children’s Vision and Learning Month shines a light on every year in August. And here, at OPC, we know how important it is to raise awareness on the relationship between eye health and education.
In Africa, the lack of eye care makes children drop out of school
In the African countries where we work, the lack of access to eye care remains one of the top reasons many children drop out of school. Still today, only 1 in 550 children in Africa has access to glasses! And students who can’t see properly have a hard time concentrating in the classroom and remembering information. They suffer from headaches and their attention span is shorter. As a result, the students’ performances decline, affecting their self-esteem, and they end up giving up on their chance to learn, thrive and break the cycle of poverty.
We can’t let this continue to happen!
OPC creates change by delivering comprehensive eye care in schools
Through our program #FORESIGHT, we are delivering comprehensive eye care to school children in some of the most neglected regions of the world. We train teachers to perform visual acuity tests, we refer children to ophthalmologists when needed, we provide glasses, and more.
Because when children are healthy, they are better equipped to complete their education and contribute to the sustainable development of their communities.
Can we count on you to help us empower more children through our comprehensive eye care programs? Please donate today to ensure more children stay in school. You can also follow us on social media to show your support online and subscribe to our newsletter to receive inspiring updates on all our programs.