YWCA president, Praichit (Noy)
Jetpai presents eyeglasses to a happy lady.
William Macey, PSC Charity Chairman
Many of Thailand’s underprivileged children are unaware that their eyesight
is less than perfect and wondering why they were having headaches on a
regular basis. We have all experienced the problems of crossing a busy road
in Pattaya, particularly when a motorcycle drives the wrong way along a one
way street but, for those with impaired vision, this fete is almost
suicidal.
A case is provided, leaving
nothing to chance.
A survey carried out recently shows that up to one third
of children in Thailand need glasses. But back in the classroom the problem
does not dissipate. All over Thailand, and in many other underprivileged
regions of the world, children are oblivious to the fact that they have poor
eyesight. Not being able to see what the teacher has written on the board or
having difficulty reading essential text books is a burden to their future
development and the opportunity to pursue a worthwhile career after their
education has come to an end. Unfortunately many families in Thailand are
not in a position to have, what would be to them, an expensive eye test and
then to have glasses made for their children.
Some of the children that
received their glasses cheer for their better eyesight.
But YWCA joined forces with Dr. Pannet and F/O Dave
Anderson many years ago which provided children with the opportunity to have
eye tests and, when needed, to supply them with glasses. The scheme is still
in operation but YWCA are now working with Pattaya Sports Club and Jesters,
both of which have donated funds to enable the Sight First scheme to
continue.
An optician in Naklua, BV Optics, have kindly volunteered to help advance
Sight First to the next step and they have recently tested the eyes of 400
children at 4 different schools. They found that 300 needed glasses to
varying degrees, which they now have.
As you can see, they are of modern design and you will be pleased to hear
that the children have a choice of colours. The boys raised an eyebrow when
confronted with pink, red and other brightly coloured frames but the girls
were delighted with the choice.
YWCA, Pattaya Sports Club and Jesters have a genuine sense of achievement
when they see the smiles on the children’s faces. Well done everyone and
more children will benefit next year.
(2nd left to 2nd right)
Nittaya, Woody and Bernie proudly handover the eyeglasses.
