Additional financial assistance will be offered to individual Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme families who have difficulty in affording glasses for their children, Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow says.

He said existing CSSA rates can satisfy the basic needs of the majority of CSSA families, including glasses for their children.

"But for individual families who may have difficulties in purchasing glasses, we should provide extra assistance to these families," he said.

Discretion exercised

The Director of Social Welfare will exercise discretion under the CSSA to help needy children buy glasses depending on the situation of each family.

Children in need will be granted a subsidy of not more than $500 each. CSSA families who have difficulty in purchasing glasses can approach their case workers in the Social Security Field Unit.

If schools come across any students who are in financial difficulty but are in need of glasses, they can refer them to the Social Welfare Department.

Community resources

Dr Chow said the existing CSSA arrangements for children are in line with the United Nations Convention on the Right of the Child.

Dr Chow said he learned that some lawmakers have raised 2,000 optical frames and are now actively seeking lenses and optical cases and free optometrical services for the children.

"We welcome their caring move and will study how to make the best use of community resources to render suitable arrangements for CSSA children."