Giving Children the Gift of Sight
The Save a Child’s Eyes project was launched by the Rotary Club of Pattaya in July 2018 with one simple goal: to ensure that no child is prevented from learning simply because they cannot afford a pair of glasses.
The project began after Rotarians met a 15-year-old student whose glasses were beyond repair. One lens was completely cracked, one arm had broken off, and the frame had been held together with adhesive tape for more than eight months. His family simply could not afford a replacement. Unable to see the classroom whiteboard properly, he struggled every day to keep up with his education.
That single case revealed a much larger problem. Within weeks, 67 students were identified as needing corrective eyewear, making it clear that many children in Pattaya were facing the same challenge.
Since then, more than 400 children have received high-quality eyeglasses free of charge through this ongoing Rotary project.
How the Project Works
Each project begins with a partnership between the Rotary Club of Pattaya and a local school or charitable organisation.
Teachers first identify students who appear to have difficulty seeing in class. Rotary volunteers then carry out an initial vision screening using standard eye charts.
Students who require further examination are referred to Pattaya Optical, where Dr. Burachai performs a comprehensive professional eye examination to determine the correct prescription.
Through his generous support of the project, Dr. Burachai provides the glasses at approximately 70% below normal retail cost, allowing the Rotary Club of Pattaya to help many more children with the funds available.
Once completed, every child receives their new eyeglasses completely free of charge.
More Than Just Glasses
For many children, receiving a pair of glasses is life-changing.
Children who previously struggled to read the writing on the classroom whiteboard suddenly regain the ability to participate fully in lessons, improve their confidence, and enjoy learning again.
During the screening process, several students have also been diagnosed with serious eye conditions requiring specialist treatment, including glaucoma and other potentially sight-threatening diseases. Early detection has enabled these children to receive medical care that may protect their vision for life.
Continuing to Make a Difference
The project continues to grow every year.
Recent screenings have been carried out at numerous schools throughout Pattaya, including Pattaya City Schools No. 4, No. 6, No. 8 and No. 9, Nong Khet Yai School, Father Ray Special Needs School, and the Human Help Network.
Hundreds of students have now been screened, with dozens of new pairs of glasses provided every year to children whose families cannot afford the cost themselves.
This project has become one of the Rotary Club of Pattaya’s flagship community service initiatives and remains an important part of our commitment to improving education and the quality of life for local children.
How You Can Help
The need continues to grow, and we are always looking for individuals, organisations, and companies that would like to support this important project.
Your sponsorship can help provide professional eye examinations, specialist treatment where required, and life-changing eyeglasses for children who would otherwise go without.
Together we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to see clearly, learn confidently, and build a brighter future.
If you would like to support the Save a Child’s Eyes project, or would like more information, please contact the Rotary Club of Pattaya.
Changing Lives Through Better Vision
