WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao Lions Club unveiled a new initiative yesterday aimed at eye care for children, called Bunita Bista. The project focuses on the eye health of children on the island, especially in light of the growing concern over the extensive use of electronic devices like tablets, mobile phones, and video games, which can negatively affect their vision. 

In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Environment, and Nature (GMN), the association of ophthalmologists, the general practitioners' association, the SVB (Social Insurance Bank), opticians, and school administrators, the Lions Club has launched this program to provide free eye tests for children. The club has invested in advanced camera technology to carry out these screenings at no cost. 

Based on the test results, parents can take their children to an optician to have glasses fitted. For children without proper documentation, the Lions Club will cover the cost of the glasses themselves. 

The goal of the project is to ensure that every schoolchild has the opportunity to have their eyesight tested and, if necessary, receive glasses to help them learn more effectively. The first school visited by the Lions Club for eye screenings was Kolegio Bellefaas Martis in Sta. Rosa, followed by Skol Emanual, where more than 200 children were screened. 

The Curaçao Lions Club plans to continue visiting schools across the island to test the eyesight of more children as part of their ongoing commitment to improving health and education in the community.