An eye care outreach was held on Wednesday at the Wales Community Centre.
The outreach was organised by the Ministry of Health, working with Eye Care Guyana and the GuSuCo’s Wales Estate. It was organised as a continuation of the Joint Eye Care Mission, which was held at the same location a week ago, when several persons, because of the large turnout,
were not able to access treatment.
Several residents, including persons from neighboring communities, took advantage of the free eye tests and screenings for various eye ailments offered by the visiting medical team.
The tests were performed by Dr.Tracy Semple, a refractionist from Eye Care Guyana, while Dr. Aymed Rodriguez, an ophthalmologist attached to the National Ophthalmology Hospital in Port Mourant, Berbice, conducted the screening for eye diseases.
During the screenings, 71 persons had their eyes tested and 30 of them were told by the specialist that they require prescription glasses. In addition, seven persons were detected with cataract and one with pterygium.
Persons requiring spectacles were asked to pay a minimal free of $10,000 at Republic Bank and uplift their spectacles from the Low Vision Department of the West Demerara Regional Hospital.
A Ministry of Heath official explained that the monies were to cater for those persons who receive National Insurance eye care vouchers for glasses and those who are not working and cannot afford high end spectacles.
The official said that those found with eye diseases will be referred to the National Ophthalmology Hospital for surgery on a scheduled basis, with free transportation, meals and accommodation being provided by the ministry.
The official noted that the ministry is committed to improving eye care services throughout the country and as such will continue to work closely with both the private and public sector to ensure that all citizens have free access to its services.
The ministry has in the past also collaborated with several agencies such as Laparkan, Qualfon, GNIC, GRA, Love & Faith World Outreach Ministries, to host medical outreaches, including free eye testing, VIA screening for cervical cancer, voluntary counseling and testing, dental care and BMI service and counseling.
