Gift of Sight 2025: From Teachers to Students, A Journey of Clearer Vision

At Focus Point, we have always believed that clear vision means brighter futures. But in 2025, our Gift of Sight initiative, in collaboration with Rotary Club of USJ, reminded us of something powerful. The journey to better vision does not always start in an eye clinic. Sometimes, it begins in the classroom, with the teachers who know their students best.

With the unwavering support of our Focus Point branches across Penang, we launched a two-phase journey that transformed dedicated teachers into ‘Vision Guardians’ and opened the world of clear sight to hundreds of children from B40 families. What began as a simple training has now blossomed into a movement of hope, learning, and brighter tomorrows.

The first step of this journey took place on 23 July at Jabatan Pendidikan Negeri Pulau Pinang. The hall was filled with the energy of twenty passionate teachers who gathered, not for an ordinary training session, but to step into a new role.

Through our Train-the-Trainer program, these teachers learned how to identify early signs of vision difficulties among their students, conduct simple screenings, and guide children who needed further care. It was more than a workshop. It was a mindset shift.

As one facilitator explained: “Teachers are the first to notice when a child struggles to learn. Now they can also be the first to help them see better.”

That day, they did not just gain knowledge. They became Vision Guardians.

A month later, on 20 and 21 August, the results of this training came to life. Students identified by their teachers gathered at SMK (P) St. George and SK Bandar Baru Perda for comprehensive screenings.

Nervous smiles filled the room as students sat in front of the eye chart. Then came the magic. As lenses were adjusted and letters became sharp, their eyes lit up in amazement. In just two days, 525 students were screened, and 478 of them walked away with their very first pair of glasses.

The children’s faces lit up as they tried on their new eyewear, marveling at the clarity before them. Laughter and smiles filled the room as they enjoyed the simple joy of seeing the world around them more vividly, supported by a community that truly care

These were not just pairs of eyewear. They were tools of empowerment, restoring confidence and giving children the chance to thrive in school.

Behind every child fitted with glasses was a network of people who cared deeply. The Rotary Club of USJ stood alongside us as dedicated partners, while Focus Point branches across Penang from Bukit Mertajam to Gurney Plaza, from Queensbay Mall to Paragon, lent their support to ensure the program’s success.

This was not simply a CSR activity. It was a collective mission. A movement where businesses, educators, and communities came together to make sure no child is left behind because of poor vision.

As one volunteer put it: “Behind every smile was a story, and behind every story was a team that made it possible.”

As we reflect on Gift of Sight 2025, one truth stands out. Vision care is not just about correcting eyesight. It is about unlocking potential, opening doors to opportunity, and giving children the confidence to dream bigger.

At Focus Point, we remain committed to this mission, working hand-in-hand with teachers, communities, and partners to keep delivering the gift of sight where it is needed most.

Because when children can see clearly, they can also dream clearly.