Kuala Lumpur:The MySPECS initiative is set to expand access to affordable vision correction services nationwide, with a focus on establishing a registry to enhance program monitoring, evaluation, and service delivery.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Prime Minister's wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail emphasized the initiative's focus on children, noting that untreated vision problems could adversely affect their learning, motor skills, and social development. She highlighted the challenges faced by B40 families, who often struggle with the recurring costs of prescription glasses, stating that in a progressive Malaysia, no child’s potential should be limited by financial or geographical barriers.
The MySPECS program, developed in collaboration with the Health Ministry and the World Health Organisation, aligns with the global SPECS 2030 initiative to provide quality and affordable refractive error care. It adopts a comprehensive approach that includes prevention, awareness, screening, treatment, governance, and monitoring, with referrals for specialized eye care when necessary.
Dr Wan Azizah, a former ophthalmologist, also pointed out that unaddressed visual impairment could impact workplace safety, household livelihoods, and the independence of older individuals. She called for proactive health management through timely check-ups and early intervention to address eye health issues.
As Malaysia moves towards an aged nation status by 2048, preventive eye care becomes increasingly crucial. Dr Wan Azizah stressed the importance of health equity and social protection investments, referencing the RM47.7 billion allocation for health under Budget 2027.
For children's eye health, she proposed integrating vision screening in schools and promoting lifestyle changes such as outdoor activities and screen-free time. She urged collaboration among government ministries, NGOs, and corporate partners to enhance screening services and access to corrective eyewear.
The MOH stated that MySPECS builds on pilot initiatives started in 2025, which involved teacher training and vision screening for students and older persons, resulting in spectacles being provided to those in need. The ministry also highlighted the significance of partnerships with various sectors to improve school and community-based screenings and widen access to affordable vision care.