Eye on Sight Issue #5 April 2012

In the April 2012 Issue of Eye on Sight we feature the following articles:

Our Vision for Haiti: "We have been doing work in Haiti since the mid-80's; back then we were doing work to prevent blindness in children and since then we have developed a very significant programme across Haiti in partnership with SHAA. SHAA has been a member of CCB since the late 1980's. Over that period, we have been involved in a number of programmes, including eye health programmes, programmes for educating children who are blind or visually impaired and programmes for the training of men and women whose sight cannot be restored”. (page 1)

From the Desk of the CEO: The quarter ending March 2012 saw some very positive results in relation to our efforts to achieve a Caribbean compliant with the objectives of Vision 2020: The Right to Sight. (page 4)

Antigua and Barbuda: In the first quarter of 2012, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda kept its commitments through the following actions spearheaded the Minister of Finance.

Jamaica: In Jamaica, during the 1st quarter of 2012, construction work began to establish a suite of theatres and related activities at the Mandeville Regional Hospital. The refurbishing activities will be completed by mid May.

Haiti and Guyana: Haiti and Guyana swung into focus with finalization of lists of equipment for Vision Centres and Operating Theatres in both countries.

Denise Godin - Making a difference: “Good job, good job, keep following the pencil.... good job, you’re such a smart boy,” said Denise as she waved a brightly coloured pencil before her young patient. At an early age, six-year old Daniel was diagnosed with Nystagmus - a term used to describe fast, uncontrollable movements of the eye. He also has other complications. (page 5)

Jamaica Society for the Blind Mail Appeal: The Governor-General of Jamaica, Sir Patrick Allen, who is also the Society's Patron, launched the appeal at Kings House - the Official Residence of the island's Head of State. Sir Patrick lauded the JSB for this initiative especially as Jamaica marks 50 years of Independence. (page 7)

Download the pdf version here or view the entire newsletter below. Thank you for reading and sharing!

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In recognition of May as Child's Month

In recognition of May as Child's Month , the Caribbean Council for the Blind - Eye Care Caribbean will present features on some very special children. From St Lucia, Barbados and Jamaica stay tuned to our website and join us on Facebook where we will share with you their stories.

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CCB in Haiti

Two years after a devastating earthquake, Haitians are trying to rebuild their lives. Several organisations have come to the assistance of Haitians including the Caribbean Council for the Blind (CCB), which has had a presence in Haiti for many years. In partnership with the Société Haitienne d'Aide aux Aveugles (SHAA) and Sightsavers, CCB's focus is that of assisting those who are blind and visually impaired. In February 2012, a team from CCB, led by Chief Executive Officer, Arvel Grant, visited Haiti. In this interview he elaborated on the work being done in the country.

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Eye on Sight Issue #5 coming soon

In this upcoming edition of our quarterly newsletter - Eye On Sight we will take you on a journey to Haiti, where the Chief Executive Officer(CEO),Arvel Grant will elaborate on the work of the Caribbean Council for the Blind (CCB) in the country.

The Jamaica Society for the Blind launched a Mail Appeal in March to help fundthe building of a Low Vision Center. The Mail Appeal was officially launched by Governor General, Sir Patrick Allen.

And in St Lucia -we will feature a conversation with Denise Godin, the Eye Health Office with the St Lucia Blind Welfare Association (SLBWA).

Eye On Sight - is a production of the Caribbean Council for the Blind.

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Our Work in Haiti

On the afternoon of Tuesday, January 12, 2010 a great portion of the already fragile infrastructure of the Republic of Haiti was shattered. With an estimated 50% of blind individuals in the Caribbean living in Haiti, the Caribbean Council for the Blind (CCB) continues its mission of preventing blindness and visual impairment while restoring sight and creating opportunities for persons whose sight cannot be restored. View the following video highlighting our work in Haiti.

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Caribbean Council for the Blind (CCB) congratulates the Honourable Senator Kerryann Ifill on her appointment as President of the Senate in Barbados

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (pdf)

St John's, Antigua and Barbuda, March 20, 2012: The Caribbean Council for the Blind (CCB)-Eye Care Caribbean, extends congratulations to the Honourable Senator Kerryann Ifill on her appointment as President of the Senate on Monday, March 19th, 2012.

Her appointment came on the heels of the resignation of Sir Branford M. Taitt, former President of the Senate.

Ms. Ifill, ( B.Sc, MBA), 38, who is also the 2nd Vice-President of The Caribbean Council for the Blind (CCB), has created history in that she is the first female and also the youngest person to occupy the position of President of the Senate, in Barbados.

CCB Programme Highlights 2011

During the year under review, CCB/Eye Care Caribbean, with the support of its Members and Partners,
continued to execute its mandate, and several activities were implemented.
The following are some of the highlights (pdf).

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Glaucoma Watch Bulletin 2012

In an effort to inform and educate the populations of the Caribbean about Glaucoma, “the thief of sight” - Glaucoma Watch will keep you up-to-date with the latest information about Glaucoma symptoms, treatment and research in our region.

We will seek to clarify the myths and facts surrounding this disease and also offer hope through our stories of inspiration.

“Make eye health services available to the most vulnerable in the region” : An appeal has been made for Caribbean Governments to make eye health services affordable to the bottom fifty (50%) of their populations. In a message to mark World Glaucoma Week, the Chief Executive Officer of the Caribbean Council for the Blind (CCB), Arvel Grant, noted that in the wake of the current global financial crisis, regional governments must give those most at risk access to eye health services within the public sector. Page 1.

"Glaucoma - a significant public health problem" : The only way to tackle the challenge of Glaucoma in the developing world is to deal with poverty and the lack of resources. This is the view of Dr. Richard Wormald, one of the world’s leading Consultant (Ophthalmologist) on Glaucoma and of London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University College London and Moorfields Eye Hospital. Page 2.

"Glaucoma patients : Their stories" : George and Sylvia Blythe both lost their vision due to Glaucoma. They live in the town of Savanna-la-Mar in the western parish of Westmoreland in Jamaica. Mr. O'Brian "Spriggy" Norton got what he calls the shock of his life only a few years ago when he was diagnosed with Glaucoma. Collin Mullings, 59, was diagnosed with Glaucoma following cataract surgery at the Mandeville Regional Hospital in Jamaica. 87 year old Sylvia King, used to declare that no man would ever touch her eyes. After being diagnosed with Glaucoma , she encourages every one to get their eyes checked before its too late. Hear about their stories and more. Page 3.

Download the 2012 Glaucoma Watch Bulletin here (pdf) .

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Make Eye Health Services available to the most vulnerable in the Region

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

St John's, Antigua and Barbuda, March 12th, 2012: An appeal has been made for Caribbean Governments to make eye health services affordable to the bottom fifty (50%) of their populations.

In a message to mark World Glaucoma Week, the Chief Executive Officer of the Caribbean Council for the Blind (CCB), Arvel Grant, noted that in the wake of the current global financial crisis, regional governments must give those most at risk access to eye health services within the public sector.

"Since poverty and under development are leading contributors to blindness and visual impairment, the current global financial crisis, demands that Caribbean Governments take extraordinary steps to give the bottom 50% of their populations access to eye health services in the public health sector; creating higher levels of accessibility, availability and affordability to those most at risk."

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International Women's Day 2012 Bulletin

International Women's Day (IWD), originally called International Working Women's Day, is marked on March 8 every year. In different regions the focus of the celebrations ranges from general celebration of respect, appreciation and love towards women to a celebration for women's economic, political and social achievements. 

Our International Women's Day Bulletin includes features:
- A release from Lola Marson, President of the Caribbean Council for the Blind (CCB)
- A feature on The Honourable Kerryann F. Ifill - Deputy President of the Senate, Barbados
- An article on Hyacinth Daniel "A journey of faith"
- An article on Juliette Mauricette "Juliette's Reality (Overcoming Tragedy)"

Please view and share our Bulletin celebrating International Women's Day 2012.

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