The initiative targeted preschool-aged children, teachers, and parents in Papua, where routine eye examinations for young children remain uncommon. The findings show that several children already exhibited signs of mild to moderate visual impairment despite never having undergone an eye check-up.
Undetected Vision Problems in Early Childhood
Vision problems in early childhood often go unnoticed because young children are unable to clearly communicate visual difficulties. In Papua, this risk is compounded by geographical barriers and limited availability of eye health services.
Uncorrected vision impairment can affect children’s learning ability, concentration, motor development, and school readiness. Without early intervention, minor visual issues may progress into long-term conditions that reduce educational outcomes and quality of life.
School-Based Education and Simple Vision Checks
The Universitas Cenderawasih team applied a community-based, school-centered approach. Eye health education was delivered using visual materials and interactive explanations for teachers and parents, focusing on early signs of vision problems and daily habits to maintain eye health.
Children then underwent simple vision screening adapted to preschool age. Screening results were communicated directly to parents, along with recommendations for follow-up examinations when potential problems were identified.
Key Findings from the Program
The activity produced several important findings:
- Some children showed indications of mild to moderate vision impairment
- Most parents had never arranged eye examinations for their children
- Eye health education increased awareness among teachers and parents
According to Elisa Nugraha Haryadi Salakay of Universitas Cenderawasih, school-based vision screening can serve as an effective first step in prevention. Early detection allows timely intervention and helps prevent long-term developmental impacts.
Implications for Education and Public Health Policy
The program demonstrates that simple vision screening integrated into preschool activities can be a practical solution in underserved areas. This model offers a scalable approach for improving child eye health, particularly in eastern Indonesia and other regions with similar challenges.
Incorporating eye health education and basic screening into early childhood education programs could strengthen learning readiness and support broader public health prevention strategies.
Author Profiles
- Elisa Nugraha Haryadi Salakay - Universitas Cendrawasih Jayapura
- Grace Fitriana Primasari Hau Mahu - Universitas Cenderawasih
- Samuel Octovianus Dimara - Universitas Cenderawasih
- Maryam Kathrien Labobar - Universitas Cenderawasih
- Eka Dian Ayu Agustina Fatem - Universitas Cenderawasih
Source
Salakay, E. N. H., Hau Mahu, G. F. P., Dimara, S. O., Labobar, M. K., & Fatem, E. D. A. A. (2026).
Seeing the Future: Community-Based Vision Screening and Eye Health Education for Preschool Children in Papua, Indonesia.
Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Bestari (JPMB), Vol. 5 No. 1, pp. 45–56.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/jpmb.v5i1.577
Official URL: https://nblformosapublisher.org/index.php/jpmb
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