Residents of Region One in the Mabaruma District on Saturday benefitted from free eye tests and spectacles as the Ministry of Public Health continues to work with private sector agencies to host medical outreaches.
A Ministry of Public Health release said that some 55 men, women and children were tested at the Mabaruma Regional Hospital for refractive errors and eye diseases.
It said that persons were diagnosed with various ailments varying from astigmatism, pterygium, glaucoma and cataract. The eye examinations were done by Dr. Shannon Da Silva, an Optometrist attached to Da Silva’s Optical.
The release said that Public Health Minister, Dr. George Norton during his visit interacted with residents and explained the Ministry’s plans for the Region in keeping with Health Vision 2020. Dr. Norton stated that documentation was done for each patient and those diagnosed with eye diseases will receive specialist care as soon as possible. Arrangements will be made for these persons to be brought to the city for surgeries at the Georgetown Public Hospital with the Ministry bearing the cost of travel and accommodation for such persons.
World Glaucoma Week will be observed from March 6-12, 2016 under the theme: “Check Your Eyes For Glaucoma”. The release said that the Ministry of Public Health will be collaborating with the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and the Guyana Vision 2020 Committee to conduct free screening sessions during that week at the Georgetown Public Hospital, Eye Clinic from 12:00hrs to 15:00hrs. Appointments for the free screening can be made at the Eye Clinic Clerical Desk from 9:00hrs to 14:00hrs before Monday 7th March or by email: gphcoph@yahoo.com.
