Astro Kasih Provides Better Vision for School Students

Over 200 students from schools in the remote areas of Sabah and Sarawak, recently had their eye-sight tested by certified, professional optometrists from the Association of Malaysian Optometrists (AMO). This is an initiative by Astro Kasih, the corporate social responsibility foundation under Astro, who is working with AMO to provide free eye screening for the students from Sekolah Kebangsaan Magandai (Kota Marudu) and Sekolah Kebangsaan Malinsau (Ranau) in Sabah, and Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Paku (Kapit), Sarawak.

Tammy Toh, Director of Communications at Astro said, “The remote location of the schools makes it challenging for the students to get their eyes tested. Astro and AMO are happy to step in to support the students with eye tests and spectacles for those who need it. Of all the students who got their eyes tested, 24 needed spectacles and we are happy to contribute the new spectacles to the kids to prepare them for the new school term in 2020.”

“We are thankful and honoured for the opportunity to work alongside Astro in this eyecare project because it gives our optometrists a way to give back to society,” said Woon Pak Seong, the AMO President. “The AMO consists of optometrists who are primary eyecare professionals who can recognize eye problems and plan a proper course of management related to the eye which makes puts us in the best position to offer assistance and support for this project.”

“Our kids are blessed to be able to receive such detailed vision screenings from Astro and AMO,” said Jamain bin Simban Abdul Halim, Headmaster of SK Malinsau. “We believe that the new spectacles will give students the confidence to overcome their impairment and continue to spur them forward in studying harder and to become successful in the future.”

“I’m so happy to be able to see clearly in class now,” says Aldina Sedirin, 10, one of the recipients of the spectacles. The sixth in a family of eight, Aldina adds that she loves to read, and having the glasses will help her continue her hobby with much ease.

Astro Kasih has been working with all three schools from as early as 2010, when the school hostel in SK Magandai first open its doors to its students. The project aimed to create a conducive learning environment by providing infrastructure such as hostel accommodation and a study hall and have since continued to engage with students and teachers in each community via annual workshops and activities.

Follow Astro Kasih on facebook.com/AstroKasihMalaysia and @AstroKasih on Instagram.