THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has been promoting vision care through early screenings and tests at its eye clinic and the Vision Centre.

In a recent highlight on social media, the hospital urged Guyanese to protect their vision.

Ophthalmology Secretary, Keisha Narine said it is advised that persons facing eye difficulties visit the hospital.

“In order to have your eyes tested, you may not need a referral; you can come in to us and you will be given an appointment date to have your eyes tested,” Narine said.

Based on results from these tests, they will determine whether you have glaucoma, cataract, or any other eye diseases, or need a prescribed spectacles which has a fee attached.

“We strongly urge persons to do an annual eye check-up, since early detection of any eye diseases is vital to your eye care,” she said.

Speaking specifically to diabetic retinopathy, Narine expressed that many persons living with diabetes are unaware that it can cause damage to their eyes. Unfortunately, if left untreated, it can lead to complete vision loss.

“If you are diagnosed with diabetes, and you would like to detect if your eyes have diabetic retinopathy, you can visit our Diabetic Eye Screening Centre, located at the eye clinic. You are not required a referral to have this service,” Narine noted, stating however that the person will receive an appointment date to have their eyes screened.

Meanwhile, the GPHC’s General Medical Officer Dr. Shivannie Persaud said a few common eye ailments seen at the hospital’s eye clinic include glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and trauma-formed issues to the eye.

Dr. Persaud underscored that persons with family members who have been diagnosed with glaucoma should visit the eye clinic and make an appointment to see a doctor, with a referral from a health centre for early screening.

“Early detection can prevent blindness in patients with glaucoma. Diabetes is a pretty common illness in our society and our population, and when you have that you can experience severe blurred vision due to bleeding at the back of the eyes, and other damages,” Dr. Persaud stated.

She encouraged persons diagnosed with diabetes to visit the clinic for diabetic screening, and visit their general practitioner at their respective clinics to ensure optimum glucose levels.
To access these services at the GPHC, persons can visit their local health centre, or medical practitioner of their choice who will provide them with a referral to visit the clinic any day, from Monday and Friday. Once there, they will see a doctor who will advise them further. They can also visit the Vision Centre, which is located within the GPHC compound, and can be accessed via the East Street entrance.