Vision for Disadvantaged Children Malaysia

Project:

Reducing Childhood Blindness and Vision Impairment for Disadvantaged Children in Malaysia

Background

The Project Reducing Childhood Blindness and Vision Impairment for Disadvantaged Children in Malaysia (Vision-RDC) is a collaborative initiative aimed at addressing preventable and treatable vision impairments among underserved children. Supported by the Brien Holden Foundation and implemented in partnership with local healthcare providers, including the Ministry of Health and Amblyopia & Vision Impairment Screening (AVIS), the project focuses on early detection, treatment, and education.

Vision-RDC incorporates comprehensive vision screenings, refractive care, and referrals for advanced ophthalmological management, ensuring children receive timely and appropriate interventions. By prioritizing schools, rural communities, and marginalized groups, the project seeks to reduce barriers to eye care, enhance visual outcomes, and improve overall educational and developmental opportunities for disadvantaged children in Malaysia.

Our Objectives

Breaking Barriers to Eye Care for Disadvantaged Children

Providing essential eye health services to underprivileged children in urban and remote areas of Malaysia.

Develop a sustainable eye health service model that is scalable in Malaysia and other countries.

Reduce avoidable blindness and uncorrected vision impairments.

Deliver comprehensive eye care services to underprivileged children aged 6-18, particularly in refugee learning centers and urban communities.

Implementation Strategies

Refraction services and strong referral systems to enhance access.

Capacity building through training of teachers, volunteers, and optometrists

Advocacy for integrating child eye health into health systems and policies.

Awareness campaigns to promote eye health literacy among children and families.

Expected Outcomes

Train 230 teachers/volunteers in vision screening.
Vision Screening on 17,376 children by teachers/volunteers.
Provide 3275 full eye examination for referred children
Provide 3,128 children with free or affordable spectacles
Provide surgeries and advanced treatments for referred children.
Support Capacity Building for optometrists
Establish Vision Centre for accessibility for optometry services
Improve eye health literacy (awareness and knowledge)
Partner with public and private sector organizations

Project Timeline

2023-2024

Stakeholder discussions, training programs, and resource mobilization.

2025-2026

Vision screenings and referrals for treatment.

2026

Advocacy meetings with authorities for systemic integration.

Beneficiaries

UNHCR Learning Centres and Urban Communities

Refugee children from UNHCR Learning Centres

Poor Urban Malaysian Children

Teachers, volunteers, and healthcare providers involved in eye health

Locations for Project Activities

Partners

Establish & working with local partners in developing communities to build sustainable eye care systems and ensure people receive the eye care they need.