IN observance of World Sight Day on October 11, which is celebrated worldwide annually to promote eye health education, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) held free eye screening activities, among other activities.

Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle, Dr. Shailendra Sugrim said the event is primarily about public health education on eye diseases and how to prevent blindness.

He reported that they target eye diseases that can be cured such as cataract and diabetic retinopathy (diabetic eye disease).

Dr. Sugrim added that they also do screening for glaucoma in Guyana annually. They also conduct free eye screening at the GPHC Eye Clinic and other locations.

He said that at GPHC there are specialised clinics for diabetic eye screening that is, diabetic retinopathy or what is referred to as bleeding in the eye.

Dr. Sugrim said on Thursday afternoon there will be a lecture for health care professionals at Herdmanston Lodge from 17:00hrs to 18:00hrs and on Sunday there will be a workshop on ‘diabetes and the eyes’ for doctors and nurses in Berbice.

He explained that on Thursday last, general screening was done then the relevant referrals were issued for specialised treatment at the Diabetic Eye Centre which was established in 2016.

The GPHC Consultant Ophthalmologist told this newspaper that so far, they have examined mostly cataract patients. He disclosed that while cataract is unpreventable, it can be cured with a simple 15-minute procedure.

Dr. Sugrim added that many people suffer from cataract but do not display any symptoms and as such, regular eye screening is necessary for detection of any eye diseases.

He told the Guyana Chronicle that on a daily basis about 200-300 patients.

Dr. Sugrim said the clinic at GPHC is for referrals because it is specialised. There is also  a Vision Centre for screening and patients have access to treatment, since there is a 24-hour service with high-end equipment.

The head of the Ophthalmology Clinic at the GPHC noted that there is also a paediatric eye clinic and children benefit from specialised treatments and surgeries.

At the GPHC last Thursday, it was observed that quite a large crowd showed up at the Eye Clinic for varying treatment. Some stood in long lines while others were seated and were waiting their turn to see the doctors.

It was noted that most of the patients were elderly and suffer from diabetic retinopathy.