More than 200 adolescents from the “Dinem Junts” program have received eye care thanks to the collaboration of Fundación Barraquer. Ensuring good visual health for adolescents in vulnerable situations is crucial to prevent learning difficulties and other related problems. Since 2022, Fundación Probitas, within the framework of the “Mirem per tu” program by the Fundación Barraquer, has promoted eye check-ups for youths in the “Dinem Junts” program, ensuring that each adolescent receives the appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

During the first three years, this initiative has served 210 adolescents from 7 “Dinem Junts” groups in Castellar del Vallès, Sabadell, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, and Cornellà de Llobregat.

The check-ups revealed that 54 young people needed vision correction, and they were provided with the necessary glasses. Furthermore, 42 youths were referred to the Barraquer Clinic for a more in-depth examination to detect various eye conditions such as strabismus, amblyopia, pterygium, alternating exophoria, and corneal ectasia, ensuring each adolescent received appropriate follow-up care. The remaining 114 youths were found to have good visual health and required no intervention.

The adolescents have expressed satisfaction with the check-ups: “It was hard for me to accept that I needed glasses, but the educators helped me understand their importance and motivated me to wear them,” said Aaron, from the “Dinem Junts” program in Castellar del Vallès. 
 

The European Child Guarantee aims to ensure equitable access to essential services for children, such as healthcare, education, and nutrition. Lack of eye care can affect children's academic and social development, perpetuating inequality.

The “Mirem per tu” program aligns fully with European legislation on children's rights. The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union recognizes the right to health protection as a fundamental principle for all citizens. Moreover, the European Convention on Human Rights emphasizes the need to ensure suitable conditions for children's development.

Aware of this reality, Fundación Probitas actively works to promote visual health among young people, ensuring that no adolescent is left without eye care. The free check-ups we conduct allow for the early detection of eye conditions and offer solutions that improve quality of life and academic performance. 

According to recent data, a significant percentage of children have undiagnosed vision problems, which can negatively impact their education and social integration. A study by the General Council of Opticians-Optometrists found that 30% of school failure cases are related to vision issues. Therefore, raising awareness among families about the importance of visual health from childhood and conducting check-ups is essential.

Thanks to the collaboration with Fundación Barraquer, we are moving forward together toward a world where visual health is accessible to all.  

This initiative is fully aligned with the “Plan Veo” recently introduced by the Spanish Government, a measure that will grant a €100 annual voucher starting in the 2025/26 school year so that children under 16 with vision problems can access glasses and contact lenses. We share the goal of guaranteeing the right to visual health, supporting academic improvement, and promoting equal opportunities among children and adolescents. 

This measure comes at a critical time, as government data indicates that in Spain, 721,000 children need glasses or contact lenses but cannot afford them.