LOCAL eyewear company Eye Q Optical has seen it fit to give generously to St Ann-based high school, Ferncourt High.

The company’s gesture comes after officials had seen several instances in which the academic performances of students deteriorated because of struggles with poor vision.

According to general manager of Eye Q Optical, Carlington Willis, he and his team saw it fit to play their part in helping some students by gifting them with free tested glasses.

The company had launched a programme called Mesh and Vision in which its team would visit schools to screen children and provide those who are desperately in need with free tested glasses.

The initiative was last Thursday extended to Ferncourt High when a wellness fair was held as part of the institution’s 85th anniversary celebrations.

According to Willis, at least 33 students at the institution were in dire need of eyewear, and his company is planning to provide them with better vision.

“We are willing to provide eyewear for students who cannot afford it, but if the 33 of them express that they can’t [pay] we are willing to give them eyewear. We won’t send anyone back,” Willis told the Jamaica Observer.

“I must say that a majority of the 33 children who were given referrals really can’t see, and it is quite concerning,” added Willis. “The students we screened at the school’s playfield were all given referrals to visit any Eye Q Optical location.

“They would’ve gotten their referrals so the only thing their parents need to do is call our office. And we have also taken the contact for their parents to call them and inform them that there are reasons to have concerns about their child’s vision,” Willis stated.

He added that it was quite rewarding to have attended the fair where the students admitted they were struggling with their vision.

“I’m very happy because a lot of these children haven’t expressed to their guardians that they are struggling to see. When I speak with them they say they have been struggling to see the board so that is why they came up to us today to get screened,” said Willis.

He underscored that the students who are in need of glasses may start to witness their grades improving once they are fitted with eyewear.

“Children underperform mainly because they can’t see, and when they get the glasses they take a great turn in their academics so this is what gives us the drive to help those who are in need. And, giving back to the community is very important to us as well,” stated Willis.

One student who received a referral told the Sunday Observer that she had long wanted to get an eye examination done.

“I always tell my mommy that I want to test my eyes but she never get to bring me so I feel really happy that I get to do it today,” said the student.

Chairman of the board at Ferncourt High School, Thelma Johill was also elated about Eye Q Optical’s gesture.

“This really is good news for us. We have a lot of students who are on PATH [Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education] as well so that is a big, big help, so we are very grateful for any assistance our children can get. And remember, we cannot run this school without the help from our stakeholders,” said Johill.