MACARTHUR, LEYTE — Recognizing that poor eyesight often hinders a student's ability to read classroom lessons and participate in daily activities, a school-based health initiative has screened at least 580 public school learners across Leyte to ensure uncorrected vision problems do not become barriers to education.
The two-day medical mission was spearheaded by the Mabuhay Deseret Foundation (MDF) across the municipalities of Alangalang and MacArthur.
Targeted Screenings In Alangalang And MacArthur
The vision care initiative began on October 19 at Alangalang National High School (ANHS), where 320 learners underwent visual acuity testing using standardized optometric tools to detect nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
On October 21, the screening team conducted evaluations at MacArthur Central School (MCS), serving 260 learners alongside parents and teachers.
According to Janis Redulla, MDF Visayas Screener, the program specifically targets students identified by educators as struggling to read chalkboard lessons. During the activity at MCS, the foundation distributed over 100 free reading glasses to teachers, parents, and students on-site.
Education And Health Leadership Support
Fairly Matoza, principal of MacArthur Central School, noted that poor eyesight remains a persistent yet frequently unaddressed obstacle in elementary and secondary education.
Expressing strong support during the ANHS launch, Department of Education (DepEd) Leyte Schools Division Superintendent Mariza Magan emphasized that early vision care makes learning accessible and empowers students to reach their academic potential.
Multi-Sectoral Collaboration And Prescription Eyeglasses Delivery
Titled “Leyte in Focus: A Vision for Every Learner,” the program is carried out in partnership with:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Primary Sponsor)
Philippine Red Cross Hilongos Chapter
Roble Shipping Inc.
Charity Vision
Department of Education (DepEd) Leyte Division
Mabuhay Deseret Foundation representatives will return to Alangalang and MacArthur in December to distribute custom prescription eyeglasses to 250 students identified during the screening sessions. Alongside medical assessments, the foundation conducts educational lectures for teachers, parents, and learners on proper reading posture, eye hygiene, and early symptom detection.
Established in 1988 by Dr. William and Audrey Jackson, the Mabuhay Deseret Foundation operates as one of the country's leading surgical charities, facilitating over 6,500 annual procedures nationwide for cleft lip repair, eye care, clubfoot correction, and prosthetic limb fitting.
