PROJECT “CHILDREN’S GLASSES MYANMAR”
The goal of the “Children’s glasses Myanmar” project is to test the eyesight of children in the 5 to 8 years-old age group in order to diagnose and treat visual impairment in its early stage. Good
eyesight is essential for success in school and unfortunately, eye tests are not a normal part of health screening for children in Myanmar. This means that problems with eyesight often go
undetected having serious repercussions for young people’s education and employment prospects. For this reason we are working in convent schools with mobile screening equipment to test the
eyesight of children in the city Mandalay and its surrounding area. In this way the HIT
Foundation can reliably check children’s eyesight and offer those with seeing problems the chance to have a free pair of glasses.
The project is being implemented in close cooperation with the Hamburg couple Sabine Bräuer and Thomas Kosinski. Sabine and Thomas travelled to Myanmar for the first time in 2015 and became inspired to become active in helping the local people there. In cooperation with the HIT Foundation a concrete plan was developed for the aid project “Children’s glasses Myanmar”.
The project is being led in Myanmar by Sabine und Thomas and the HIT Foundation has equipped them with screening kits, which allow the mobile eyesight checks to be performed in convent schools. In preparation for this, they have been trained in the use of the screening equipment, so that the tests can be performed independently. The evaluation of the test results and preparation of appropriate glasses is done by the HIT Foundation in Hamburg.
How are the screening tests done?
Step 1: The examination consists of two tests for close and distant vision, as well as a technical measurement of the general eyesight. With the help of a simple chart, the children point to symbols so that the test can be performed without language complications. Step 2: The results from each child are sent to Hamburg, where they are evaluated and glasses are
made according to the individual diagnosis. Step 3: The children are fitted with their specially-made glasses at a subsequent visit to the region.
Where do we perform these eye screenings?
With the cooperation of the Förderverein Myanmar e.V. (Help Myanmar), contact has been established to 15 schools with a total of 2818 pupils in the affected age group. For the initial project phase from November 2017, 500 children from 8 schools have been selected. The central region is the city Mandalay and its immediate surrounding area.
How will the project be sustained?
The initial project phase runs from November 2017 to February 2018. Helpers in the region will be trained to sustain the project independently, and on-going structural continuity is assured through the continued involvement of the Förderverein Myanmar e.V..
Please help our project!
A visual impairment which remains undiagnosed can have a negative affect on the entire life of the affected child. Good eyesight is essential for effective learning and a successful, autonomous life. With your donation we can give children in Myanmar a better future. Every little helps. Thank you!
Our on-site partner: Förderverein Myanmar e.V. (Help Myanmar e.V.)
For organisational questions before and during the project the “Children’s Glasses Myanmar” project will be supported by Karl Bruch and the “Förderverein Myanmar”. Thanks to this help we are free to concentrate our efforts on the hands-on activities of the project, namely the examination of children’s eyesight. The “Förderverein Myanmar” has employed student Moet Moet Hlaing, who will be accompanying us in Myanmar and sustaining direct contact with the partner schools.