Senior Multimedia Reporter
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
With schools now officially on Christmas break, the director of See Vu Optical, Kerven Sookdeo, is urging parents to help their children balance screen time.
Speaking to Guardian Media on Thursday, Sookdeo emphasised the urgent need to promote healthier habits and address the rise in eye problems observed during the height of the pandemic.
“We are seeing more cases of myopia and astigmatism. Screen usage has increased, and since COVID, with the advent of online classes, it was never made mandatory for children to take a five-minute break away from screens every 20 minutes. With high crime rates, children are being kept indoors more often,” he said.
He said it was important to have regular eye exams for children under 12 and to reduce and monitor screen times. Sookdeo appealed to parents to be vigilant for visual abnormalities.
Sookdeo also said that every year, See Vu Optical conducts a charity drive in Diamond Village, where children can receive free eye tests and eyeglasses on a Sunday. He explained that the company has been supporting children’s eye health through community drives and to date, donated over 1,200 eyeglasses in partnership with the Rapidfire Kidz Foundation, led by its president, Kevin Ratiram.
Last weekend, 50 children from four schools in Tableland and Tabaquite received free eyeglasses in a charity initiative led by Myra Ramsingh.
Sookdeo said his mission was to ensure that children nationwide have access to essential vision care, adding that through their partnership with the Rapidfire Kidz Foundation, more children will benefit from free eye care initiatives.
“This isn’t just about better eyesight—it’s about brighter futures,” Sookdeo said.
