In Sri Lanka, many children enter school without ever having an eye exam. Undetected vision problems, eye muscles problems and refractive errors, can affect a child’s ability to learn, grow, and develop properly. Early detection of these issues is critical because if left untreated before the age of 8, many of these problems can lead to lifelong visual impairment.

Although Sri Lanka has a School Medical Inspection (SMI) program, small and rural schools often face challenges in fully implementing it. Limited resources, lack of awareness, and delayed referrals mean many children with vision problems are not identified in time. As a result, children struggle academically, socially, and emotionally, and their full potential remains untapped.

Our mission is to change this. We are calling for mandatory vision screenings for all children before they enter school to ensure that every child, regardless of location or financial situation, has access to essential eye care. Early detection and treatment of vision problems can prevent avoidable blindness, improve educational outcomes, and enhance the quality of life for our children.

We ask for your support in making this change a reality. By signing this petition, you’re helping us push the authorities to make vision checks a compulsory part of school admission procedures. Together, we can ensure that every child has the clear vision they need to thrive.