Govt Takes Action Over Mobile Phone Use Among School Students

KARACHI: The Sindh Education Department has initiated a province-wide eye screening program for students in government schools, aiming to tackle growing concerns over the effects of mobile phone use on children’s vision.

A formal directive has been sent to all district education offices, instructing school heads to extend full support to the screening campaign. A No Objection Certificate (NOC) has also been issued to a non-governmental organization (NGO) authorized to conduct the eye tests.

Under the initiative, students across all districts will receive free eye checkups. Children diagnosed with vision problems will be given prescription glasses at no cost.

Dr. Fouzia Khan, Chief Advisor of the Curriculum Wing, underscored the urgency of the initiative. “The use of mobile phones is affecting children’s eyesight. School heads must ensure full cooperation so children can be protected from long-term vision loss,” she said.

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Experts point out that vision issues like nearsightedness and farsightedness often go unnoticed in children, especially in underprivileged areas where access to eye care is limited. Undiagnosed vision problems can significantly impact a child’s academic performance and daily life.

Health professionals have repeatedly called for mandatory vision screenings during school admissions to ensure early detection and treatment.