By Samuel Gillis
The Ministry of Health’s eye testing and spectacles program has made a significant impact, reaching thousands of residents across Regions Four and Five over the weekend.
The initiative, which began at the Dundee Health Centre, Enmore Hope Primary School, and Diamond Health Centre, aims to provide essential eye care services to the community.
The program offers free eye tests and, for those in need, financial assistance for purchasing spectacles.
Individuals aged 18 and under, as well as those 65 and older, are eligible for a $2,000 voucher for eye screening and $15,000 to cover the cost of spectacles if required.
Many residents have expressed their gratitude for this initiative.
Mariah Ram, a parent, encouraged others to participate, noting the positive impact it had on her son’s vision.
Christina Hassan, another parent, highlighted the affordability issue many families face, praising the government’s efforts to provide free eye care services.
Renessa France, a mother of three, utilized the program to address her children’s vision issues.
She appreciated the initiative’s provision of financial support for eyeglasses, making it more accessible for families.
Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony, who visited the program sites, emphasized that individuals diagnosed with cataracts during the screening would be added to a treatment list for future surgeries.
The program underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing public health and ensuring that essential eye care services are available to those in need.