News Releases

World Sight Day: UWI Optometry Clinic Reveals About 80% of Vision Loss is Preventable!

For Release Upon Receipt - October 12, 2023

St. Augustine


St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago. October 12, 2023- Approximately 80% of all vision loss is preventable. This fact was revealed by lecturer of The UWI BSc Optometry degree Dr. Niall Farnon, who reminded the public of the power of preventive action and made an appeal to not put off having an eye exam when it could make the difference between seeing for a lifetime or having issues with your eyes. Dr. Farnon’s words are timely as the global community observes World Sight Day today, Thursday 12th October 2023.

 World Sight Day serves as a reminder of how precious the gift of sight is and The UWI plays a crucial role in educating the community about eye care and teaching students the art of optometry at its Optometry Clinic, based at The Couva Hospital and Multi-Training Facility.  

 "Vision is the window to the world, and on World Sight Day, let us celebrate the gift of sight. As optometrists, we dedicate ourselves to preserving this precious sense, ensuring clarity and brightness in every individual's view. Let us unite in our mission to bring the world into focus for all,” said Dr. Kingsley K Ekemiri (OD, MPH), Head of the Optometry Unit, Department of Clinical Surgical Science, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies (The UWI) St. Augustine Campus. The UWI joins the global community in commemorating World Sight Day, an important day that raises awareness about the significance of eye health and emphasizes the need to prioritize eye care

 The UWI Optometry Clinic is dedicated to providing comprehensive eye care services and is open five days a week, with availability in both the morning and afternoon. Their services include complete eye exams, contact lens assessments, diagnostic testing, Binocular vision assessments, and Low Vision Assessments, all offered at very reasonable fees.

 For appointments and inquiries, please contact:

Telephone: 225 1018

Email: Sta-fms.OptometryClinic@sta.uwi.edu

 On this World Sight Day, the public is encouraged to heed the call to "Love Your Eyes" and take proactive steps to protect this vital sense that enriches our lives.

 END

 About The University of the West Indies

 The UWI has been and continues to be a pivotal force in every aspect of Caribbean development; residing at the centre of all efforts to improve the well-being of people across the region for the past 75 years.

 From a university college of London in Jamaica with 33 medical students in 1948, The UWI is today an internationally respected, global university with near 50,000 students and five campuses: Mona in Jamaica, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Cave Hill in Barbados, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda and its Open Campus, and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa and Europe.

 The UWI offers over 800 certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport. As the Caribbean’s leading university, it possesses the largest pool of Caribbean intellect and expertise committed to confronting the critical issues of our region and wider world.

 The UWI has been consistently ranked among the top universities globally by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education (THE). The UWI is the only Caribbean-based university to make the prestigious lists since its debut in the rankings in 2018. In addition to its leading position in the Caribbean in the World University Rankings, it is also in the top 25 for Latin America and the Caribbean and the top 100 global Golden Age universities (between 50 and 80 years old).  The UWI is also featured among the leading universities on THE’s Impact Rankings for its response to the world’s biggest concerns, outlined in the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Wellbeing; Gender Equality and Climate Action.

 2023 marks The UWI’s 75th anniversary. The Diamond jubilee milestone themed “UWI at 75. Rooted. Ready. Rising.” features initiatives purposely designed and aligned to reflect on the past, confront the present, and articulate plans for the future of the regional University.

 Learn more at www.uwi.edu  

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