St. Maarten Optical proprietors Rick and Cathy Heemskerk presented the glasses to the youngsters whose parents could not afford to buy them, during a ceremony on August 5, it was stated in a press release issued on Monday.
Students, whose parents consented, were given a thorough eye exam as part of the programme. Each child was also presented with a small "back-to-school" bag with educational goodies from the store owners.
Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams and Minister of Health Cornelius de Weever attended the closing of the pilot programme.
Cathy Heemskerk said "It is difficult to detect eye problems, and students with eye issues sometimes think of themselves as less intelligent.
"So when kids do not know they cannot see well, a negative perception emerges due to not knowing what the problem is."
Wescot-Williams said the programme was invaluable to the community, and Aespecially the donation of the eyeglasses. "I want to thank you very much for that Rick and Cathy. This programme has a come a long way. It is important to have children checked, because you never know. Government looks forward to continuing the programme."
De Weever thanked the Heemskerks and said, "This gesture goes a long way."
The young recipients have two weeks to get accustomed to wearing the spectacles, "so they will be relaxed and comfortable with their eye glasses when school starts," stated the release.
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