Join hands to take care of students' eye health

In recent years, eye diseases, especially myopia and astigmatism among students, have been on the rise. To join hands in taking care of students' eye health, the Provincial Red Cross Association has coordinated with relevant units to implement a plan to organize an eye and dental examination program for the community and schools in Khanh Hoa province in 2025. In particular, with the theme "Bright Vietnamese Eyes", the eye examination program will examine and advise on eye diseases for about 5,000 students.

Eye care instructions for students

Tran Nhat Duat Secondary School (Nha Trang Ward) is the first school to implement the program. From early morning, the school yard was more bustling than usual. Instead of familiar lessons, students met, talked and had their eyes examined by specialists. They enthusiastically participated in the practice of keeping the correct distance when reading and studying; and practiced the habit of limiting the use of phones and electronic devices for too long. The propaganda session was more exciting with the question and answer session to learn about the structure and function of the eyes. At the same time, they were guided through the steps of daily eye health "exercises".

Students of Tran Nhat Duat Secondary School get their eyes checked.

Many students said that this was the first time they had participated in the school vision examination and consultation program. The program was very meaningful and useful, helping them better understand the importance of caring for and keeping their eyes healthy. Le Thai Nguyen - a 9th grade student at Tran Nhat Duat Secondary School shared: "I find the program very meaningful, especially since many students who do not have the conditions to go for an examination outside can now have their eyes examined right at school. The program also distributed leaflets and instructions on eye care, through which I learned many ways to protect my eyes." Nguyen Tran Mai Anh said: "I am nearsighted about 2.5 degrees, before I did not know how to take care of my eyes, normally when I felt something gritty or uncomfortable in my eyes I only knew how to use eye drops. Today, the doctors came to school to guide me on many simple ways to take care of my eyes at home, I found it very useful."

The atmosphere of the examination session became bustling when students of each class took turns having their eyesight checked, their eyes examined, and their refraction measured using modern equipment. Doctors enthusiastically explained the results and instructed each student on how to monitor and take care of them appropriately. For those who showed signs of nearsightedness or astigmatism, they were given specific advice on wearing glasses, proper study and nutrition regimens to limit the increase in degree. Ms. Pham Thi Thanh Hai - Vice Principal of Tran Nhat Duat Secondary School said: “In the current digital age, eye diseases in students are becoming more and more common. The rate of students with myopia and astigmatism in the school is quite high, accounting for over 50%. However, parents' attention to eye care for their children is still not really close. Therefore, the program of examination, screening and consultation on eye care for schools is very practical. Through the program, parents understand more about how to care for and protect their children's eyes; students are instructed on skills to protect their own eyes. Many cases of refractive errors were detected, thanks to which they were treated early, helping to protect their eyesight. At the end of the program, nearly 1,000 students of the school were examined, consulted and instructed on how to protect their eyes. The program also gave 10 glasses to myopic students in difficult circumstances."

Continue to deploy in schools

Along with Tran Nhat Duat Secondary School, from now until the end of the year, the program will be implemented at 4 schools including: Au Co Secondary School, Vo Thi Sau Secondary School, Phuoc Tan Primary School and Tan Lap Primary School, with about 4,000 students receiving free eye exams.

Secondary school students are being instructed in eye care.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Bich Nhi - Saigon Nha Trang Eye Hospital - one of the units accompanying the program said: "By 2040, the rate of myopia in the world may exceed 50%. Therefore, refractive error screening programs for schoolchildren are very necessary. Early detection will help children have timely treatment and support, better protecting their eyes. Through screening, we found that the rate of students with myopia is quite high, mainly due to high study intensity, the habit of using electronic devices a lot, while their knowledge of eye care and protection is limited. Most students only go for check-ups when their eyesight has significantly decreased, so organizing regular check-ups at school is extremely important."

According to doctors, refractive errors in school can be completely prevented if students maintain the correct sitting posture, ensure adequate light, limit the use of electronic devices for too long and regularly have their eyes checked periodically. Forming the habit of protecting eyesight early helps students have a good health foundation and be more confident in studying and life. According to Mr. Ngo Minh Tu - Head of Health Care Department, Provincial Red Cross Society, the purpose of the program is to raise awareness of eye health care for students and parents in the province; create conditions for students in difficult circumstances to be examined and treated for refractive errors in a timely manner. At the same time, propaganda and guidance on skills to care for and protect eyesight help students form good habits and keep their eyes bright and healthy. Along with the examination, at each school, V.Rohto Vietnam Company - a partner of the program will give 10 pairs of myopia glasses to students in difficult circumstances.

The eye examination program “Bright Vietnamese Eyes” not only contributes to raising students’ awareness of protecting their eyesight, but also demonstrates the community’s responsibility for taking care of the health of the younger generation; contributing to building a safe and healthy school environment.

C.DAN

Source: https://baokhanhhoa.vn/xa-hoi/y-te-suc-khoe/202510/chung-tay-cham-soc-suc-khoemat-cho-hoc-sinh-5302cbc/