Walking Steadily with Children, Seeing a Brighter “Change”

At Changle Elementary School in Manzhou Township—the southernmost tip of Taiwan—children learn from the mountains and sea, exploring their community and recording their growth. The school, mainly attended by Paiwan children with some Han and mixed-heritage families, is small, diverse, and inclusive.

Located within Kenting National Park, the school faces challenges typical of remote areas: few students per class, frequent transfers due to parents’ work, and limited resources. Transportation is inconvenient, and the only ophthalmology clinic is far away in Hengchun Township. For parents, taking children to see a doctor is a full-day ordeal, so many children quietly endure poor vision.

The Challenges of Rural Areas: Heard and Addressed by the Taiwan Prevention Blindness Foundation (TPB)

On June 6th, the TPB led a team of volunteer medical professionals to provide vision screening, correction, and eye health education at Changle Elementary School—its fifth visit. The library became a temporary clinic, and staff greeted the children warmly, treating them like old friends.

TVBS news anchor Ting-Ting Liu, the 2025 Advocacy Ambassador for TPB, joined the event. Living with severe myopia herself, she encouraged children to care for their eyes. She was touched by stories of children whose families couldn’t afford to repair broken glasses, highlighting not only material shortages but also a lack of knowledge and support in rural areas. Liu also noticed older children’s reluctance to wear glasses and taught them proper cleaning methods. Her warmth and participation comforted the children and made them feel secure.

The Focus Was Never Off—Just Missing Eyes That Were Properly Cared For

TPB offers more than eye exams and glasses; it provides health education to teach children how to care for their eyes and seek help when needed. These lessons bridge the information gap for rural children and help them build self-confidence as they grow.

Be a Smart User—Make Technology a Helpful Learning Tool

Changle Elementary School, with its staffing shortages, once had no school nurse. To protect students’ health, the school designed health record books, including a “My Vision Care Log,” encouraging the “30-10” rule—30 minutes of screen time followed by a 10-minute break. Activities like outdoor running and distance gazing help students relax their eyes. Teachers guide students in proper digital device use, making technology a learning tool. Donated desk lamps improve home lighting, reducing vision risks.

Dr. Ray Jui-Fang Tsai, TPB chairman, personally checks each child’s vision and reminds them to use eye drops and wear glasses regularly. The school nurse and TPB staff encourage children to wear glasses confidently. Dr. Tsai notes that grandparenting is common in rural areas, and elders may not understand vision needs, making follow-up care challenging. TPB works with the school to monitor medication and vision changes.

As the outreach ended, Dr. Tsai promised a gift to any child who maintains good vision for three years. Changle’s unique approach lets children grow in nature, while TPB’s ongoing “Rural Children’s Eye Care Program” protects their vision—a precious long-term companionship. This time, TPB is walking with the children, helping them see happiness and a brighter future.