ZEISS Commits to Donate 2025 Pairs of Spectacles for Children with Congenital Cataract in Indonesia

ZEISS together with partner, Optik Tunggal, are committed to donate 2025 pairs of spectacles for children with Congenital Cataract in Indonesia. Optik Tunggal and ZEISS share a common concern for children’s visual impairment and have always consistently provided vision care help for the underprivileged. What started in 2019 when Optik Tunggal collaborated with ZEISS to provide 90 complimentary pairs of spectacles for children with congenital cataracts has now grown to 2025 pairs of spectacles which is aimed for completion by 2025.

“What I liked about Optik Tunggal is our shared values. Both organizations have a strong purpose about our responsibility towards the society and community. Given that the social responsibility element of this initiative is very much ingrained in ZEISS itself for many years already, it was only natural that we collaborated with them on this partnership. We are thankful to have a partner like Optik Tunggal and are glad to be part of this wonderful program, “said Ven Raman, Managing Director of ZEISS Southeast Asia.

In Indonesia, the level of blindness in children is still unclear due to the lack of research. However, a study from Muhit, et al in 2017, reported that out of 195 children (aged 0-15 years) examined in Sumba and Yogyakarta, 113 children experienced blindness or severe visual impairment. And the most common cause of blindness was due to problems with the lens (35.31%). The study also estimated the prevalence of cataracts at 0.07 per 1000 children in Sumba, and 0.05 per 1000 children in Yogyakarta. By using the prevalence study of cataracts in Sumba (0.07 per 1000 children) and combining it with study in Cicendo Eye Hospital (where congenital cataract contributes 94% to the childhood cataract cases), we can estimate that from the average annual birth rate of 4.8 million people in Indonesia, there’s a risk of 315 babies born yearly with Congenital Cataract.

“To treat Congenital Cataract, a special kind of lenses are needed. Once you remove the natural lens, you need to provide something called the aphakia lens. The power and shape of the lens will vary too. Every pair of lenses is customized, because there are also other optical parameters that need to be taken into consideration like the axial length and so on. At ZEISS, we have the capability to make these special lenses as we have the knowledge and expertise for it. Not many companies would be able to do this, especially in a large scale. For us, it is not only about trying to make commercial lenses but also special lenses which can help others. To make such lenses, we need to change our entire production process. Therefore, you can see that ZEISS is fully committed to this project where we hope to better the lives of the children in Indonesia,” added Ven.

The aphakia lenses, which come in high diopters, are scarce in Indonesia. If available, it comes at a high price.

“We are fortunate to have a partner like Optik Tunggal and are honoured to be a part of such a meaningful initiative where we can help to improve the lives of underprivileged children in Indonesia, “concluded Ven.

If you’re keen to register your child as a candidate for these special lenses, the public can contact Optik Tunggal via WhatsApp at +62 811 8755 192 or email to optiktunggalpeduli@optiktunggal.com.