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various facets of their lives, influencing not only   for implementing mandatory eye screenings in all
                                                                                                                                 immediate learning outcomes but also imparting       schools annually.
                                                                                                                                 long-term consequences on eye health, educational
                                                                                                                                 success, career opportunities, and overall quality of   Moreover, the initiative shed light on the
                                                                                                                                 life. Recognising the urgency of addressing these    disproportionate impact of vision impairment
                                                                                                                                 multifaceted challenges promptly, the See to Learn   on female students, with a significantly higher
                                                                                                                                 programme is committed to ensuring a meaningful      number of females requiring eyeglasses compared
                                                                                                                                 intervention in the lives of these young children.   to males in the Lucknow and Unnao region. Devi
                                                                                                                                                                                      Sansthan played an indispensable role in mobilising
                                                                                                                                 Eyecare interventions are imperative for students    resources, imparting education on proper eye
          eyeglasses are crucial in mitigating the impact      the substantial impact of Vision Spring’s efforts in              to nurture their educational knowledge and engage    care, and facilitating awareness sessions at the
          of myopia and ensuring the well-being of future      reaching those who might have otherwise lacked                    fully in school activities. To alleviate the burden of   grassroots level. Their unwavering support proved
          generations.                                         necessary visual correction.                                      refractive error in children, VisionSpring advocates   instrumental in ensuring the resounding success of
                                                                                                                                 urgent measures. By conducting comprehensive         the programme.
          VisionSpring understands that early intervention in   This specific focus on FTWs holds significant                    eye screenings and providing eyeglasses to children
          addressing vision issues is essential for maximising   importance not only for immediate vision                        throughout India, the organisation aims to empower   At its core, the primary objective of these initiatives
          a child’s potential. Beyond the immediate benefits   improvement but also for aligning with the United                 them to excel in school, elevate their learning      is to conduct comprehensive eye screenings and
          of improved academic performance, clear vision       Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4.1                  outcomes, and lead higher quality lives. The See to   ensure that individuals in need receive proper
          enhances a child’s ability to explore the world,     and 4.5. Goal 4.1 aims to ensure that all girls and               Learn project encapsulates these efforts, serving as a   eyeglasses. By addressing vision impairments
          gain confidence, and actively participate in various   boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary              crucial component of Vision Spring’s broader mission   proactively, VisionSpring is not merely providing
          extracurricular and recreational activities.         and secondary education, while Goal 4.5 strives                   to enhance vision and improve lives.                 eyeglasses; it is empowering communities, enhancing
                                                               to eliminate gender disparities in education. By                                                                       educational opportunities, and ultimately, catalysing
          The See to Learn project by VisionSpring is part     addressing visual impairments in school children,                 In recognition of the imperative to address eye      transformative change in the lives of individuals
          of a larger intervention aimed at addressing         especially those who are first-time eyeglass wearers,             health challenges, VisionSpring forged a strategic   across India.
          visual impairment among school children in India.    VisionSpring contributes significantly to creating                partnership with Devi Sansthan to conduct
          The organisation’s commitment revolves around        a conducive learning environment, enhancing                       comprehensive eye-screening sessions for 8000+       In conclusion, the importance of eye screening and
          providing eyeglasses to those in need. Through       educational outcomes, and promoting inclusivity.                  children in slums/communities and government         eyeglasses for children cannot be overstated. Vision
          extensive eye-screenings conducted as part of                                                                          schools in Unnao and Lucknow. An encouraging         impairment not only impedes academic success but
          the programme, approximately 77%-81% of the          The ramifications of poor vision among school                     revelation emerged from this initiative: over 92%    also hampers socio-economic development. Through
          recipients have been identified as First Time Wearers   children extend far beyond the immediate                       of children who received eyeglasses were first-      its pioneering initiatives, VisionSpring is paving the
          (FTWs). This demographic includes individuals who    challenges, casting substantial obstacles on their                time wearers, significantly surpassing the national   way for a future where clear vision is accessible to
          had never worn eyeglasses before, showcasing         academic journey. The impact reverberates across                  average. This underscores the critical necessity     all, irrespective of socio-economic status.

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