A first-of-its-kind centre set up to support visually impaired students has officially opened.

Programmes at the iC2 Prephouse, which commenced operations in November 2012, teach visually impaired children and youth skills such as how to read Braille and how to use assistive technology. It also aims to provide support and resources for parents of children with such conditions.

Noting the current gap in such support services, Speaker of Parliament Halimah Yacob, who was the event's guest of honour, said that the centre's offerings were an "excellent contribution" to the Government's pledge to look out for disabled people in the community.

Sixteen-year-old student Sophie Soon, who performed a Vivaldi concerto on her violin at the event, is one such beneficiary. "The orientation and mobility programme has helped me learn how to move about better," she said.