Today, Butuka Academy in Port Moresby city hosted a special ceremony to distribute free prescription glasses to students, marking a step forward for local youth health.

‎Organized by the Laila Foundation, the event was made possible through a collaboration with Eye Care (a subsidiary of Pacific International Hospital), Charity Vision International, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the Essilor Luxottica Foundation.

‎This initiative is a major milestone for a vision care program launched on World Eyesight Day, October 9th, 2025.

‎The project was designed to tackle preventable vision impairment among school-aged children throughout Port Moresby city.

‎Director of Laila Foundation, Dr. Amyna Sultan, noted that so far, the program has conducted comprehensive eye screenings for a total of 4,172 students across 8 schools.

‎Students diagnosed with refractive errors are now receiving custom-made prescription glasses at no cost, an intervention intended to boost their education and overall well-being.

‎Following a screening session conducted by the Laila Foundation at Butuka Academy last week, the first group of students received their glasses today.

‎In total, 19 students now have the gift of clearer vision thanks to the foundation and its partners.

‎Florendo Tuguinay, Director of Butuka Academy, highlighted the long-term impact of the program, stating, "This means a lot to them. Most of them will be able to read. If they're able to understand lessons, then they will perform better in their classrooms. At the same time, this kind of program opportunity will encourage them to do more in their studies; and who knows, some of them will be encouraged to be an eye specialist in the future."