Izumiotsu City x Rohto Pharmaceutical "Kodomo MY Mirai Ai Project": Three Eye Care Model Schools Selected
- Program to be Implemented Sequentially at Three Elementary Schools in the City Starting in 2026
April 21, 2026
ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Osaka City, President: Hidetoshi Segi, hereinafter "Rohto Pharmaceutical") has selected three schools to implement the eye care model program as part of the "Children's MY Mirai Eye Project - 'Joy of Seeing': A Future Expanding Through Vision," which was launched in October 2025 in collaboration with Izumiotsu City, Osaka Prefecture (Mayor: Kenichi Minamide, hereinafter "Izumiotsu City"). Starting in fiscal year 2026, each model school will sequentially implement initiatives to foster children's "seeing ability" and "eye health."
Three eye care model schools implementing the program
As a result of soliciting applications from elementary schools in the city, the following three schools will participate in this project as eye care model schools.
Eye Care Model School
- Asahi Elementary School
- Ebisu Elementary School
- Jonan Elementary School
Each school will promote practical initiatives to improve eye health issues arising from declining eyesight among children and increased use of digital devices, through this project. Going forward, the effectiveness of these initiatives will be evaluated through implementation at model schools, with the aim of expanding them nationwide.
Comment from the implementing school: Mr. Osamu Nishimura, Principal of Izumiotsu Municipal Jonan Elementary School
With tablets now being used frequently in classes and at home, including for watching videos on YouTube, we are concerned about children's eyesight and felt it was necessary to reiterate this concern to both children and their parents. We hope that by reinforcing the importance of eyesight and eye health, children will be able to consciously rest their eyes, look at things in the distance, and take care of their own eyes. We are grateful for the provision of programs that help children become aware of the importance of their eyes through eye care materials and learn "eye care skills"—how to use digital devices appropriately—in a fun way.
Details of the initiative
This project will focus on eye care model schools and develop multifaceted initiatives centered on "learning, practice, and dissemination."
Implementation of eye care lessons using "Rohto Eye Care teaching materials"
Targeting elementary school students in grades 4-6, we will conduct lessons using experiential teaching materials developed by Rohto Pharmaceutical to promote understanding of eye health and encourage behavioral change. Furthermore, through the distribution of leaflets for parents, we aim to encourage practical application at home, fostering collaboration between schools and families to establish effective eye care practices.
Implementation of a special school lunch program themed around "eye health"
In Izumiotsu City, a special school lunch called "Tokimeki School Lunch" is provided twice a month, incorporating fermented foods, organic ingredients, and seasonal ingredients to create a meal that is exciting for both mind and body. As part of this initiative, a Tokimeki School Lunch with the theme of "Eye Health" will be served on Thursday, June 11th, to coincide with "Children's Eye Day" (June 10th). Through food education, the city aims to improve literacy regarding eye health and promote the healthy development of children's bodies.
Recycling waste plastics × Creating art pieces
We collect eye drop containers and promote the SDGs through the creation of art pieces and workshops using the collected waste plastic.
Collection boxes are scheduled to be installed in eye care model schools, city hall, and drugstores in the city starting in June, and the program will be implemented as an initiative that involves not only schools but the entire community.
Distribution of a guidebook on children's eye health.
A guidebook on eye health will be distributed to all students, including those entering school from the 2026 academic year onward, and their guardians. The guidebook will clearly explain topics such as "What is nearsightedness?", "The effects of its progression", "Prevention and countermeasures", and "Nutrients that are good for eye health", with the aim of raising awareness of eye health.
Future outlook
This project is one of the legacy projects that will give back to the community the knowledge and experience gained from the Osaka-Kansai Expo, and aims to create opportunities for children to take an interest in their own eye health and proactively take care of it. Through the implementation at the three schools selected, we will accumulate knowledge and, using our collaboration with Izumiotsu City as a model, contribute to the eye health, healthy growth, and future possibilities of children.