Vision for Change: Bringing brighter futures to students

4 September 2024

By AVV

PENAMPANG: Many individuals, especially children, may lack access to essential items like spectacles. By providing these items, they help improve educational outcomes and overall quality of life for these recipients. For a child who can see clearly is more likely to succeed in school than those who struggle to see the distance.

Justin Sew, a 26-year-old representative from Spectruck, a Kuala Lumpur-based company specialising in spectacles, reading glasses, lenses, and frames, recently visited Sabah to assess the vision needs of local students. His mission was part of a broader initiative aimed at providing essential eye wear to underprivileged students.

This initiative is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project in collaboration with CIMB Bank and the CIMB Foundation, with Spectruck serving as the service provider. The project is aptly named the 20/20 Perfect Vision Programme, which aims to provide free spectacles and eye screening services to students across the region.

During his month-long stay in Sabah, Justin reported that the team successfully distributed 1,000 pairs of spectacles to students across 11 schools. Their work included significant efforts in Tuaran, where they dedicated nearly two weeks to ensure thorough coverage and support.

Justin was particularly struck by the challenges faced by some schools, noting that several had minimal road access, making it difficult for students to receive essential services.

In addition to his work in Tuaran, Justin also spent a week in Papar, where he visited multiple schools to continue the vision screening and distribution efforts.

This hands-on experience not only highlights the pressing need for accessible eye care in remote areas but also underscores Spectruck's role, with CIMB Bank and CIMB Foundation to making a meaningful impact in the lives of students.

“I actually enjoyed meeting with the school community and students. We feel a sense of purpose when we can assist in this context,” he shared adding that most students choose the basic eye glasses that are available to them, that might not be suitable for them.

“We try to explain the difference especially where the usage or UV Lens are concerned. We also given them choices of frames,” he said.

“I understand how difficult it must be for these students to access better glasses. To get good ones, they have to shell out at least RM150 to RM400 for them. Therefore, I am glad that we are able to help those that we met,” he shared.

During his visit, Justin Sew expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It was a pleasure to meet the students.”

He visited St. Michael Secondary School in Penampang, where approximately 100 students signed up to receive eye examinations.

Justin shared his optimism, noting that he anticipates distributing 80 pairs of spectacles to the successful applicants soon.

“We will deliver the readings and frames back to Kuala Lumpur to be returned upon completion,” he added, highlighting the commitment to ensuring that the students receive the necessary support.

While at St. Michael School, Justin also had the honor of meeting Datuk Ewon Benedick, the Member of Parliament for Penampang and the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative (MEDC).

Justin remarked on the significance of this meeting, expressing his appreciation for the opportunity to connect with a key leader in the community.