Detail

On 27 July 2024, a vision screening event: “Migrant Health Matters” was conducted by final year students from the SP Diploma in Optometry (DOPT) in collaboration with Interact: Club of Sembawang (ICS) for the migrant workers in Singapore. The initiative aimed to address a critical yet often overlooked aspect of healthcare within the migrant worker community. The students provided detailed vision assessments to about 20 participants employed in various sectors across the island.

Held at SP Optometry Centre (SPOC), the event was a significant outreach effort, reflecting the students’ commitment to community service and practical learning. Equipped with various ophthalmic instruments, the students conducted visual acuity tests for refractive errors, eye pressure tests, as well as anterior and posterior eye examinations to detect common eye diseases. The results were analysed on-site, and those requiring further intervention were managed accordingly.

In addition to the eye screenings, DOPT staff and students conducted an eye care awareness talk and distributed educational materials on eye health, emphasising the importance of regular eye check-ups and protective measures against common workplace hazards. The feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing gratitude for the services and the opportunity to address their eye health concerns, which are often neglected due to busy work schedules.

This event not only enhanced the vision health of migrant workers but also enriched the practical experience of the optometry students, bridging the gap between education and real-world application while fostering a stronger sense of social responsibility.

"I am thankful to have the opportunity to plan this event that makes eyecare available for migrant workers. It was heartwarming being able to see how pleased the migrant workers were after completing the eye check.”

Soh En Xin Amantha

"Planning and facilitating this event for our migrant workers was very insightful and I am grateful for this opportunity to provide eye care for our fellow migrant workers!"