Detail

On 24 August 2024, sixteen students and two staff from the SP Diploma in Optometry (DOPT) course embarked on a Youth Expedition Project (YEP) to Libertad, Antique, Philippines, in collaboration with the Singapore Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA). This 12-day overseas community service trip included 5 days of vision screening and 3 days of school education.

During the trip, the team conducted vision screenings for approximately 1,100 locals and provided education to over 300 children in the village. The students not only utilised their clinical skills to assist the locals but also formed meaningful connections and built rapport with them. They conducted educational talks and games at various schools in Libertad, focusing on myopia, eye health, and mental health. The vision screenings and educational segments ran smoothly, thanks to the translators who helped the team overcome language barriers. Student Leader S Dhanashree reflected,

"Performing vision screenings for the underprivileged in Libertad, Iloilo, was a profound reminder of the difference we can make through compassion and service."

The team immersed themselves in the local culture and cuisine, learning common Tagalog and dialect phrases to enhance their vision screening process. This enriching experience helped the team develop both soft and hard skills. The locals expressed their happiness with the vision screenings and activities, making the trip fulfilling for the team. Another participant, Chia Yu Xin shared,

"Participating in this service-learning trip allowed us to provide eye care for the locals and experience their culture first-hand, making the trip very fulfilling and eye-opening."