500 Leyte Students to Receive Free Eyeglasses After Vision Screening

Posted on October 23, 2026 at 10:44 PM

Tacloban City – About 500 students in Leyte are expected to benefit from free eyeglasses following a school-based vision screening program conducted by the Mabuhay Deseret Foundation in partnership with the Department of Education and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The program, dubbed `Leyte in Focus: A Vision for Every Learner,’ was held on October 19 and 21, 2026. On October 19, a total of 300 students underwent vision screening at Alangalang National High School in Alangalang, Leyte.

Another 200 students in MacArthur, Leyte, were scheduled for screening on October 21.

The activity was supported by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Roble Shipping Inc., Charity Vision, the Philippine Red Cross and the DepEd-Leyte Division.

MDF regularly conducts school-based vision screenings to identify students with eyesight problems, including nearsightedness and farsightedness, through standardized visual acuity tests.

Students identified with vision problems are expected to receive eyeglasses, with distribution scheduled for December. The glasses are intended for everyday use, including reading lessons, studying and doing schoolwork.

The program aims to help students who have difficulty seeing clearly in class, as vision problems can affect their ability to read lessons, see what is written on the board and keep up with school activities.

Aside from screening students, the initiative also includes educational sessions for students, parents and teachers on proper reading habits and eye care.

Teachers in the participating schools also received free reading glasses.

Through the program, MDF and its partners seek to help learners with vision problems manage their schoolwork and participate more comfortably in classroom activities.

Photos by: April Cuesta