The Fred Hollows Foundation and Christian Action provide free eye checks and glasses for ethnic minorities, urge public to prioritize eye health
Over 40% Found with Vision Problems
The Fred Hollows Foundation, an international development organisation committed to ending avoidable blindness, partnered twice this year with Christian Action to provide free eye checkups and glasses to ethnic minority communities at Christian Action’s Mong Kok Service Centre.
A total of 85 people benefited from the initiative, which aimed to promote health equity and raise awareness of eye health, especially among communities facing language and cultural barriers.
The events, held on 27 July and 8 November 2025, provided participants with eye health talks, vision screening, prescription glasses, and specialist referrals. Dr Godfrey Lam, ophthalmologist and advisor to The Fred Hollows Foundation, delivered talks at both events, explaining common eye conditions such as amblyopia and cataracts, and emphasizing the importance of regular eye exams.
“Eye diseases often show no symptoms. Early detection is key to preventing blindness,” Dr Lam said. He also reminded the public that prolonged screen time, lack of outdoor activity, and neglecting eye exams are common causes of vision problems in Hong Kong.
Dr Godfrey Lam delivers an eye health talk, explaining common conditions such as amblyopia and cataracts, and urging the public to get regular eye check-ups to prevent avoidable blindness.
Mr Ross Piper, CEO of The Fred Hollows Foundation; Ms Amanda Huang, Chief of Programs & Partnership of The Fred Hollows Foundation; members of the International and Hong Kong Boards of The Fred Hollows Foundation; Dr Godfrey Lam; and Ms Bonnie Ho, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications & Development Division of Christian Action along with Mr Muhammad Haroon Ishaq Harry (Harry Sir), RSW, Project In-charge, Social Services Department of Christian Action, were pictured with ethnic minority participants after the 8 November event.
According to on-site screening results, over 40% of participants were found to have vision problems, including myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. Some cases required urgent vision correction, while others were referred to public ophthalmology services for follow-up.
Many families, due to language and cultural barriers, do not have the habit of regular eye checkups and lack access to relevant health information, resulting in long-term undetected or untreated vision problems.
The Foundation chose to focus on ethnic minority communities because of the multiple barriers they face in accessing eye care services, including language, cultural differences, and financial constraints. Through community collaboration, the initiative aimed to break down these barriers and ensure equal access to eye health services.
The event also faced language challenges, as most participants primarily spoke Urdu. Thanks to on-site volunteers providing real-time translation, eye health information was effectively communicated.
“Language should never be a barrier to health,” said Harry Sir, RSW, Project In-charge, Social Services Department of Christian Action. “We’re proud to work with The Fred Hollows Foundation to ensure every participant understands the importance of eye care. This is community support at its best.”
One participant, Mysko Geraldine Abiso, shared her story. She had lost her newly prescribed glasses and struggled with daily life due to poor vision. Her father, burdened by cancer treatment costs, could not afford a replacement. Through the Foundation’s free eye checkup and glasses service, she was able to see clearly again—her smile was one of the warmest moments of the event.
Mysko Geraldine Abiso learned about the free eye checkup service through Christian Action. She received an eye exam from Dr Godfrey Lam and on-site volunteers.