– Optometrist urges citizens to have tests done

IN observance of World Sight Day, October 10, 2019, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) held a free eye screening exercise.

Dr. Jenell Sarju-Kanhai, an optometrist at the GPHC, told the Guyana Chronicle that the exercise targeted persons who were diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension, along with persons who had a family history of eye diseases such as glaucoma and cataract.
She added that the eyes are a vital organ to the body and it is essential that persons have a yearly eye screening to detect and prevent eye diseases. She also noted that children who use digital devices regularly, and adults over the age of 40, should have regular eye screening.

Several persons, including the elderly, received free eye screening, diagnosis and treatment on the spot, at the exercise.

World Sight Day is observed on the second Thursday of October annually. It is aimed at drawing attention to a range of issues surrounding eye diseases and blindness. It is known to be one of the most important communication and advocacy events on the eye-health calendar.

It was initially started by the Lions Club International Foundation as part of the Sight First campaign in the year 2000 and is now coordinated by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB).