He said the number of Year 1 pupils in Putrajaya experiencing vision problems had increased from 215 in 2022 to 239 in 2023, Bernama reported.

“The health ministry has been monitoring students’ vision through screenings by its school health team, aiming for a detection rate of over 5%. The current rate stands at 3.4-3.5%.

“Failure to diagnose vision issues can hinder students’ learning,” he said after officiating a vision correction sponsorship programme for Year 1 pupils from B40 and M40 households in Putrajaya today.

Dzulkefly said seating students with vision issues at the front of classrooms was only a temporary solution.

He said early detection through refractive error screenings is vital to prevent long-term academic disruptions and the need for thick corrective lenses later on.

A pilot project to screen and provide free eyeglasses for B40 and M40 students began in August 2024.

The year-long programme covers 16 primary schools in Putrajaya and is a collaboration between the health and education ministries and Optimax Eye Specialist Centre Sdn Bhd.

Education minister Fadhlina Sidek, who was also present, announced plans to expand the programme to other areas, including Nibong Tebal and Kuala Selangor, to improve students’ focus and reduce learning disparities.

“This programme goes beyond general eyeglass distribution. It offers solutions to students’ vision issues, ensuring they can fully follow lessons,” she said.

Fadhlina also highlighted the ongoing collaboration between both ministries to address malnutrition among students.