Some 200 persons benefitted from free eye tests and sensitisation sessions hosted by Eye Clinic at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) yesterday in observance of World Sight Day.
This is according to Dr. Arlene Bobb-Semple, an ophthalmologist attached to GPHC, told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that this year’s theme, “Access to Eyecare for Everyone,” has provided the unit with an opportunity to encourage all, be it children or adults, to receive check-ups.
“We are not particularly focusing on patients with cataract or glaucoma. We are trying to access everyone who may have an eye problem or even those who just like to have their eyes routinely checked. We have seen patients who are diabetic, cataract, glaucoma… patients who are not members of our clinic, but decide to have their eyes checked,” Dr. Bobb-Semple was quoted as saying in a DPI report.
She said patients diagnosed with cataract and glaucoma, among other conditions, received advice, through counselling, on the way forward. Others have received medication in the form of eye drops, while yet others have been sent for further screening. This, she said, is dependent on the stage of the patient’s condition.
The DPI said Dr. Bobb-Semple urged patients to pay keen attention to their overall health and particularly the health of their eyes. “So, I recommend patients have annual ophthalmic checks regardless of whether or not they have a visual symptom. They should have their eyes checked, be it at a healthcare centre or at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC),” the ophthalmologist said.
She also urged patients with diabetes, cataract and other conditions to maintain a diet regimen to improve their quality of life.
World Sight Day is an annual day of awareness held on the second Thursday of October, to focus global attention on blindness and vision impairment.
