A STRATEGIC collaboration between the Penang state Education Department and Focus Point Vision Care Group is set to transform student eye health through a three-year statewide screening programme targeting all public schools.
State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen praised the initiative, describing it as a meaningful partnership between the education sector and private industry that will directly benefit students across the state.
“I would like to record my highest appreciation and thanks to the state Education Department and Focus Point Vision Care Group for their noble efforts in making this collaborative programme a reality,” he said.
He stressed that such partnerships demonstrate how cooperation between public and private sectors can deliver tangible impact on community well-being, particularly among schoolchildren.
“With the rapid development of advanced technology and the widespread use of digital devices today, children are increasingly exposed to screens from a young age.
“Smartphones, tablets, computers and online learning have become part of their daily lives both at home and in school,” he said.
While acknowledging the benefits of technology in education and communication, Gooi cautioned that excessive screen use could harm children’s vision.
“Among the concerns are myopia, eye strain, dry eyes and difficulty concentrating during lessons. If vision problems are not detected early, they can affect academic performance, self-confidence and social development,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of raising awareness on eye care and conducting regular screenings to ensure every student receives quality learning opportunities.
“Vision health is often overlooked, yet it is a fundamental element in the learning process. Students with undetected vision problems will struggle to follow lessons effectively,” he added.
Gooi also commended the state Education Department for leading the implementation across schools and Focus Point Vision Care Group for contributing professional expertise, early screening, equipment and eye health education.
“The combination of industry expertise and the strength of the education system is an excellent model of collaboration that should be emulated,” he said.
He noted that the programme would help detect vision problems early and prevent students from falling behind due to treatable conditions.
“The Penang government remains committed to supporting initiatives that directly benefit the people. I hope this collaboration will continue and expand to more schools and communities in the future,” he said.
Focus Point Holdings Berhad managing director Datuk Liaw Choon Liang said the pilot programme aims to identify and address eye health issues that may affect students’ learning.
He shared that the Focus Point Foundation has committed funding for three years to support the initiative in Penang, with plans to expand nationwide if the programme proves successful.
State Education Department director (Student Development Sector), Fadzil Sadikin, outlined the programme’s scope and timeline.
The initiative targets all public primary and secondary schools in Penang, excluding preschools and private institutions.
A total of 398 schools and approximately 230,000 students will be covered over three years, namely Year 1 (150 schools), Year 2 (150 schools), and Year 3 (98 schools).
“This will ensure full coverage of all public schools in Penang within three years,” he said.
Fadzil explained that the programme includes training for teachers to ensure screenings can be carried out efficiently.
“About five teachers per school will be trained by qualified optometrists, with around 200 optometrists involved in the programme,” he said.
Training materials will include refresher videos to help teachers recall screening procedures, and recognition or certification for the skills may be coordinated with the Ministry of Education.
Screenings will be conducted in stages to avoid disrupting school schedules and will not require a full day at each school.
“The programme has already started, and additional sessions will continue, including this afternoon,” he added.
Currently, baseline data on student vision in Penang remains limited due to low screening rates.
The programme aims to screen all students over three years to generate comprehensive data on vision issues and enable early interventions such as referrals and spectacles before conditions worsen.
The long-term goal is to reduce learning barriers linked to increased screen use and eventually expand the programme nationwide.
Focus Point will provide optometrists and training, while the state Education Department will oversee implementation and support new schools that open during the programme period.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Law Suun Ting