The City of Zagreb has launched a new measure aimed at protecting children's vision, with the goal of ensuring that children from socially vulnerable families are not discriminated against due to an inability to afford necessary optical glasses. This pilot project represents a significant step towards ensuring equal rights in access to healthcare for the most vulnerable groups of citizens.
For the implementation of this measure, the City of Zagreb has provided €60,000. The funds are designated exclusively for subsidising the purchase of optical glasses, with the aim of preventing visual impairments that could hinder a child's schooling and daily functioning. This measure is part of a broader range of social measures implemented by the city authorities to alleviate social inequalities.
The initiative to introduce this measure came from the SDP in Zagreb, which secured its introduction through an amendment to the city budget. This decision is the result of long-standing negotiations and lobbying for the needs of socially vulnerable citizens, representing an important step towards a more socially sensitive management of city resources.
Eligibility for the €40 support will be available to children under the age of 18, provided they have their residence in Zagreb. This financial support is intended solely for the purchase of optical glasses, which will enable children from socially vulnerable families to access quality vision correction. Eligibility for the support is open to children whose families receive one of the cash benefits or social services stipulated by the Zagreb City Council's regulations, ensuring that the support reaches those in greatest need.
