In an inspiring collaboration, SEGi University has partnered with the Rotary Club of USJ and Mah Sing Foundation to launch the “Gift of Sight 2024” initiative, reinforcing its commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. The initiative began with a Teacher Training session on basic vision testing held on 29 March at the Bilik Merpati, Sektor Sumber dan Teknologi Pendidikan, Jabatan Pendidikan Negeri Selangor. This session saw the enthusiastic participation of 25 educators from various schools in Utara Subang Jaya, under the purview of the Pejabat Pendidikan Petaling Perdana District, Selangor.
Azam Nur Hazman Bin Azmi, a Senior Lecturer from SEGi University’s Faculty of Optometry & Vision Sciences, led the training, along with lecturers Law Yi Zuo and Ahmad Syazwan bin Mohamed Kamal. It was supported by Dean Dr. Foo Say Kiang. Their collective expertise gave the teachers the necessary skills to conduct regular vision tests, ensuring early detection of visual impairments among students. The highly interactive and informative session highlighted SEGi’s dedication to hands-on, practical education.
Statistics from the World Health Organization indicate that uncorrected refractive errors are a leading cause of visual impairment, affecting 153 million people globally (WHO, 2021). The “Gift of Sight 2024” initiative empowers educators to identify and address vision problems early, significantly improving students’ quality of life and educational outcomes by equipping teachers with basic eye testing kits.
Students from underprivileged B40 families who fail the initial vision screenings conducted by trained teachers will be referred to the main event at SEGi University’s Rotary Clinic. Scheduled for 21, 23, and 24 May 2024, this comprehensive eye screening event aims to serve 150 students daily, providing them with thorough eye examinations. Depending on the diagnosis, students will receive prescription spectacles or be referred for further assessment at SEGi University’s optometry speciality clinics.
The “Gift of Sight 2024” initiative aims to provide free eye examinations and spectacles to 500 students from the underserved B40 community in Utara Subang Jaya, addressing a critical health need and promoting educational equity. This effort aligns with SEGi University’s broader mission to contribute positively to society while fostering an environment of learning and growth.
This initiative is a testament to SEGi University’s commitment to community engagement and health promotion. By working in partnership with the Rotary Club of USJ and the Mah Sing Foundation, SEGi University embodies the spirit of SDG 17. It underscores the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable development goals and showcases SEGi University’s role as a leader in both academia and community service.
By actively participating in such impactful initiatives, SEGi University not only enhances its academic and employer reputation but also sets a powerful example for other institutions to follow. The successful execution of the “Gift of Sight 2024” highlights SEGi University’s dedication to fostering healthier, more resilient communities, reinforcing the university’s position as a beacon of excellence and social responsibility.
