Donating eyeglasses in Thailand: a partnership for solidarity

Through its eyewear donation operation in Thailand, the Association au Coeur du Siam is pursuing its commitment to improving the quality of life of local populations.

The initiative, launched in partnership with Alain Afflelou and Egg Events, provided children and their carers with eyewear for the Camillian Home in Lad Krabang and Duang Prathip in Khlong Toey, Bangkok.

A total of 191 people benefited from this solidarity initiative, improving their daily lives.

Limited Access to Vision Care in Thailand

Lacking access to eye care and financial resources, many people in Thailand suffer from vision problems. Yet visual health is essential to everyone’s well-being, especially for schoolchildren and working adults.

In fact, poor vision can be the cause of learning difficulties, leading to a drop in productivity and adding obstacles to everyday life.

Aware of this reality, Au Coeur du Siam and its partners have joined forces to offer a concrete solution to children at the Camillian Home and Duang Prathip centers, who have little access to ophthalmological examinations and adapted optical equipment.

Eyewear distribution tailored to your needs

Au cœur du Siam and its partners distributed 54 pairs of glasses to children at the Camillian Home center and 137 pairs to children and caregivers at the Duang Prathip center. Each pair of glasses was carefully selected and adjusted to meet the specific needs of each individual.

The process involved several stages:

• Needs identification: Eye examination for each beneficiary to determine the correction required.
• Glasses selection: Thanks to our partnership with Alain Afflelou, frames and corrective lenses have been adapted to beneficiaries’ prescriptions.
• Distribution and adjustments: Each pair is supplied with instructions for use and care to ensure optimum use.

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An effective Humanitarian Partnership despite the pandemic

This initiative was made possible thanks to the involvement of several partners. Indeed, without the participation of Cécile Lagarde, Marion Tarneaud and Wanna, the organization and smooth running of the project would have been compromised, especially in a complex health context.

Despite our best efforts, the operation was significantly delayed by the global health crisis. Border closures, travel restrictions and logistical difficulties delayed the delivery of the glasses on several occasions.

However, thanks to perseverance and effective coordination between the various players involved in the project, the mission was successfully completed.

This success highlights the strength of solidarity-based partnerships, as well as the good cooperation between associations and private companies in carrying out sustainable humanitarian actions.

The impact of eyewear donations on beneficiaries

Over and above a simple visual correction, this solidarity initiative has had a number of benefits for the children and the center staff.

Improving eyesight makes it possible:

• Better success at school: Children fitted with glasses are better able to read, write and follow lessons, which promotes their education and personal development.
• Greater comfort: Seeing properly reduces eyestrain, headaches and concentration difficulties.
• Greater autonomy: Adults and carers can carry out their daily activities more effectively, improving their quality of life and social integration.

Conclusion of the eyewear donation operation in Thailand

Thanks to the partnership between Au Cœur du Siam, Alain Afflelou, Egg Events and their partners, 191 beneficiaries received glasses adapted to their needs. This operation has enabled the children and their carers to improve their daily lives, their schooling and their independence. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, this solidarity initiative proves the importance of humanitarian partnerships and collective support.

The association continues its efforts to help vulnerable populations in Thailand. You too can take action by supporting these solidarity initiatives.