Mexico: Vision campaign for schoolchildren
Helping children achieve their full potential through better eye care
Vision and learning are closely linked and good vision is essential for students of all ages to reach their full educational potential. Vision problems can significantly affect children’s ability to learn, particularly reading, as they make it more difficult to recognise and retain letters and numbers, ultimately impacting comprehension.
The Yo veo mejor (“I see better”) project was launched in 2015 by volunteers at Givaudan’s Pedro Escobedo site in Mexico. Since 2017, it has been supported by the Givaudan Foundation, enabling the initiative to expand to schools across 26 communities in the Pedro Escobedo region.
The project’s main objective is to provide comprehensive vision care for schoolchildren. This includes screening programmes to identify vision problems, the provision of high-quality spectacles free of charge, and access to medical treatment where necessary, including surgery.
To date, more than 6,800 free eye examinations have been conducted, improving access to essential eye care for children in the region.
Beyond treatment, the initiative also raises awareness among parents, teachers, and the wider community about vision problems and the importance of correcting them. By improving access to eye care, the project helps children continue their education under better conditions, ultimately enhancing their future opportunities.
“My two children needed medical treatment and glasses. My son can now read the blackboard at school and my little girl stopped crying because of itchy-watery eyes. The Yo veo mejor programme is a blessing for them.”
Claudia, mother of two children benefitting from the programme
