Toward the end of last year, normal service at the Community Vision Centres was scaled back as we recruited an Optometrist to monitor their work. We are pleased to announce that we have been able to complete the recruitment and that her application to be registered in Antigua is now before the Medical Board. Subject to the Medical Board’s processes, we anticipate that her registration will be completed during March and that normal services will resume in the vision centres at the start of April.
MORE THAN HALF MILLION US$ TO DATE – WE WANT TO DO MORE:
Having spent more than half million US dollars: Retrofitting, furnishing, equipping and supplying the 3 Vision centres, including training of personnel; And noting the over whelming need for the service, CCB-eye Care Caribbean, are doing all we can to facilitate the resumption of full services as soon as practicable. While it is near impossible to find development funds to pay salaries, we are confident that our international partners will work with us to capitalize the expansion and continued development of this most important eye health service.
VISION CENTRES CONTINUE TO RECIEVE PRESCRIPTIONS AND RELEASE FINISHED SPECTACLES
In the mean time, the Vision Centres continue to receive outstanding prescriptions and release finished spectacles. They have also been kept busy with the testing and loading of an electronic patient management system which is used to compile their regular reporting.
MARCH IS GLAUCOMA MONTH – HAVE AN EYE EXAM
In anticipation that normal services in the vision centres at Claire Hall, Grays Farm and Johnsons Point, will resume by start of next month, we are taking this opportunity to remind you that March is Glaucoma month. During 2014, the Refractionists identified close to five hundred persons with possible glaucoma.
CHECK TO SEE IF YOU ARE AT RISK OF DEVELOPING GLAUCOMA
Some risk factors for Open Angle Glaucoma include: Being of African heritage; Ocular injury; A parent or grandparent with Glaucoma; Being 40 or older; Being diabetic; and elevated intra ocular pressure. Persons with one or more risks should be examined by an Ophthalmologist at least once each year.
WHO SHOULD BENEFIT FROM THIS SERVICE
With the resumption and expansion of full service, we will commence preparations for vision screening of children in school; while expanding access to: Persons earning below the income tax threshold; As well as all students, Persons with disabilities; Individuals who are 60 years or older; All public Sector employees (Established and non-established) Those working in statutory organizations; as well as our nations: Teachers, Nurses, members of the police and defence forces.
A right to Sight effort by CCB-Eye Care Caribbean in collaboration with the Government and People of our country.
Preventing Blindness & visual impairment; while restoring sight and creating opportunities for persons whose sight cannot be restored.
www.eyecarecaribbean.com