It starts with a timid grin. As a child slips on a pair of glasses for the very first time, suddenly the entire world stands clear before them, and what was once a modest grin transforms into a beaming, unforgettable smile. These are the kinds of smiles that inspire careers in vision healthcare. They imprint themselves on the hearts and minds of staff forever.
“I want to make an impact and improve eye care services, but my daily motivation is a smiling face,” Johnson & Johnson Vision Optometrist Richa Sharma shared. Six years ago, Sharma participated in a vision screening event at a local school in India and those smiling faces changed her life. It was the first time she had heard of Sight For Kids, a global school-based eye health care program co-founded by Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) and Johnson & Johnson Vision. Her experience was so positive, she has been working with Johnson & Johnson Vision ever since.
Beyond the sheer delight she experiences as a byproduct of her profession, the passion she has for vision care is personal as well. When her son, Hardik, was seven, it became obvious his academic performance was sliding because he needed glasses. Her family had the means and ability to secure what he needed, and his performance improved. “When he could see clearly again, it inspired me to make sure all children could see,” Sharma said.
Since 2002, Sight For Kids has been working towards that end, mobilizing Lions and eye care professionals to provide comprehensive eye health services in low-income schools around the world. With all the students at a school being screened at the same time, the experience feels more like a game or novelty than a doctor’s visit. More importantly, children receive the follow-up care they need after the screenings to ensure they have appropriate glasses and other resources for eye health. Overall, Johnson & Johnson Vision is making long-term investments in vision care for the world’s children through the Sight For Kids program, in addition to shaping academic success and building community awareness.
Saadiya Khan participating in an interview at a Sight for Kids event in Kolkata, India.
“I do not want people to be denied their sight because they are unaware of vision problems,” Johnson & Johnson Vision Optometrist Saadiya Khan said. “If addressed early, so many vision issues can be avoided.” Unfortunately, Khan’s father, Rafique, is a perfect example of her concern. While his work environment strained his eyes, an untreated condition from his childhood compounded over time causing irreversible damage. It is exactly this type of scenario Khan hopes Sight For Kids can alleviate for children across India. “Vision care should be available to everyone,” Khan said confidently, “and our work is making that possible. Our work is bringing smiles to children’s faces every day as they see clearly for the first time.”
These smiles that appear in response to restored sight are distinct and inspiring. As blurred lines find their shape and vibrant colors form useful patterns, a smile-only vision care professional witness emerges, and it compels them to press forward for the sake of the next child.
“Meet the Vision Champions” is an ongoing series highlighting champions of Sight For Kids and celebrating our 20-year partnership with Johnson & Johnson Vision.
Leia Williams is the LCIF manager for Marketing and Communications.
