AROUND 110 individuals in Goed Fortuin and La Parfaite Harmonie, in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), now have better vision, thanks to free spectacles provided by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security during a recent outreach.

At Goed Fortuin, 60 glasses were delivered, while 54 persons received free spectacles at La Parfaite Harmonie.
The EyeCare Programme, implemented by the ministry’s Difficult Circumstances Unit (DCU), made this possible by providing assistance to vulnerable individuals, including schoolchildren, pensioners, and single parents who cannot afford it.

The Department of Public Information (DPI) caught up with some of the beneficiaries of the EyeCare programme, who are happy with the much-needed aid.
“I am very happy for a spectacle at this time. My eye was bad for a long time, and I tested it, but I didn’t have the money to purchase [a spectacles]. I am very thankful that this outreach brought it to us, and I am happy that I received my spectacles,” said Dave Neblett, a resident of La Parfaite Harmonie.
Another resident, Felicia Husbands, said: “I really appreciate it, and I am excited about it, because I am now seeing good. Thank God for that, and thank God for them (the government), because, at least I am seeing good with it.”

Natasha Neblett, 19, shared similar sentiments, as she explained that it would be useful during her studies.
“I have been having problems with my eyes; this is something that I am happy for, and it is benefitting me financially, because I can be able to save the money, instead of buying it on my own. I was given the opportunity to have it free,” the teenager said.

Meanwhile, Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud, in her remarks to residents of Goed Fortuin revealed that thousands of persons in the hinterland and the coastland have already benefitted from the EyeCare Programme.

She told the residents that the DCU also provides aid to persons living with disabilities, which is also free of cost.
“We do training for them; free training. We offer free wheelchairs, free walkers, free hearing aids, and free canes. So, you just have to ask, and it will be provided; it’s as simple as that,” Minister Persaud explained.

Residents were also informed of the various services the ministry offers through the Childcare and Protection Agency, Gender Affairs Bureau, the Survivors’ Advocate Programme, pension and public assistance, Sexual Offences and Domestic Policy Unit and the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN).
They were encouraged to report matters of domestic violence by utilising the 24-hour 914 hotline.