KAILUA-KONA — Some Kahakai Elementary School students received the gift of improved sight Tuesday morning thanks to partnering groups.
Project Vision Hawaii screened more than 200 students in first and fifth grade, discovering 17 in need of glasses, which were fitted and given to the keiki for free.
“It’s amazing we have the opportunity to help so many kids,” said principal Dr. Jim Denight. “We look forward to the future when we can evaluate all the children.”
Project Vision Hawaii was founded in 2007 by Dr. Michael Bennett, a local ophthalmologist who specializes in retinal surgery. With his oversight, the foundation for the program was developed by Hawaii’s top experts in vision care.
Rep. Nicole Lowen and members of the Kona Lions Club joined Project Vision staff in distributing the glasses. Keiki previously picked out frames in colors ranging from purple to pink to black and clear.
The whole elementary school will be evaluated in the next school year thanks to a computer program the school received. But Tuesday focuses on helping those who needed them now.
Lowen, a supporter of the program, recounted getting glasses in the fifth grade.
“It made a huge difference,” she said.
That’s often the case.
According to the Project Vision Hawaii’s website, students with uncorrected vision problems often avoid reading, suffer headaches, and have trouble focusing on class discussions.
Project Vision Hawaii Executive Director Annie Valentin said 157 keiki were evaluated at Kahakai, Waikoloa, Mountain View and Keaau Elementary schools over a two-day period.
Funding for the nonprofit program is provided by HMSA, Lions Clubs and the state of Hawaii.
Valentin said that they hope to expand the program in the next school year.
Lena Gamagag, parent of first-grade student Jahziah, was all smiles when she saw the new glasses on her daughter.
“I got the letter saying she needed glasses and didn’t know what to think,” she said. “We never had this growing up. I was struggling in school, then a friend told me you can’t learn if you can’t see.”
Getting glasses made the difference, she added.
Jahziah checked out her new glasses with a smile of approval.
“She was afraid and upset,” said Gamagag. “But now she loves them.”