Almost 600 persons benefit from Snap-On spectacles – Health Minister

Since the rollout of the Snap-On spectacles initiative this month, some 597 persons have benefited.
The Snap-On Initiative is a new programme introduced by the Health Ministry after recognising the ease in distributing eyewear to persons in remote areas.
Twenty-three pairs of spectacles were distributed in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice); 124 in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), and 450 in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).
Speaking about the programme, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony shared on Tuesday, “In total, we have given out 597 spectacles so far. The programme is going to continue in different regions. We should be going to Regions One and Nine shortly. I’m sure a lot of people would benefit from the programme.”
In total, Government has procured 4500 pairs of spectacles to be distributed. Teams have been visiting communities across the country, where the spectacles are delivered immediately after persons are diagnosed.
“This year, we were able to buy 4500 spectacles through this programme. We are now introducing this into hinterland communities. We have a team going out to these communities, test everyone’s eyes to see whether or not they require a spectacle and those who require would get it almost instantaneously. They’re able to give you your spectacles right there. You don’t have to wait,” he relayed.
In most instances, persons with eye complications suffer from short or long sightedness, which is typically corrected with spectacles. With age comes the development of cataract, which can be removed via surgery.
A few weeks ago, Government said it was moving closer to establishing an eye bank, enabling better services for persons requiring corneal transplants. Corneal transplants are conducted at the Georgetown Public Hospital. In recent years, over 100 such operations have been done. With the eye bank facility, corneas can be donated and will be readily available for patients in need.
In August, it was reported that the National Ophthalmology Hospital at Port Mourant, Corentyne, had a backlog of some 1500 cataract surgeries still to be performed, and authorities were working assiduously to reduce this. At the beginning of this year, this backlog had stood at 2100 surgeries. (G12)