News Releases

UWI Optometry Unit Partners with Canadian Vision Care to Provide Free Vision Screenings

For Release Upon Receipt - February 19, 2024

St. Augustine


St. Augustine, Feb 19, 2023 – The Optometry Unit at the Faculty of Medical Sciences of The University of the West Indies (The UWI) St. Augustine Campus, in collaboration with Canadian Vision Care, is pleased to announce a series of free vision screenings and healthcare services for the residents of La Vega Gran Couva, Tortuga, Tabaquite, Flanagin Town, and Talparo.

 Good vision is essential for overall well-being, productivity, and quality of life. However, many individuals may not have access to adequate eye care services. Understanding the importance of proactive eye health, The UWI Optometry Unit is committed to reaching out to communities in need, providing essential screenings and raising awareness about eye health.

 From February 19th to 22nd, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., community members are invited to attend free screenings for various eye conditions, including diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts, as well as children’s and senior vision screenings. In addition to vision screenings, attendees will have the opportunity to receive blood pressure readings to further support their overall health.

 The schedule for the screenings is as follows:

 February 19th: Balmain Community Centre

February 20th: Tabaquite Community Centre

  February 21st: Tortuga Community Centre

February 22nd: Tortuga Community Centre

If you or someone you know resides in these areas, we encourage you to take advantage of this invaluable opportunity for eye care. Early detection and treatment of eye conditions can significantly improve outcomes and prevent vision loss.

 The collaboration between The UWI Optometry Unit and Canadian Vision Care underscores a shared commitment to community health and well-being. By working together, we aim to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and families in Trinidad and Tobago.

 For more information about the screenings or to inquire about additional services, please contact Ebony Scipio at ebony.scipio@sta.uwi.edu or call 868-225-1018.

 Together, let’s prioritize our eye health and ensure brighter futures for all.

Notes to Editors

About The UWI Optometry Unit: The Optometry Unit at The University of the West Indies, Faculty of Medical Sciences, St. Augustine Campus, is dedicated to providing high-quality eye care services, education, and research. With a focus on community engagement, the unit strives to address the eye care needs of underserved populations while training the next generation of eye care professionals.

About Canadian Vision Care: Canadian Vision Care is a leading provider of vision care services, committed to improving access to eye care globally. Through partnerships and initiatives, Canadian Vision Care works to promote eye health awareness, prevent vision loss, and provide affordable eye care solutions to communities in need.

 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 center of all efforts to improve the well-being of people across the region for over 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 nearly 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 Global Campus, and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe.

 The UWI offers over 1000 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 the wider world.

 The UWI has been consistently ranked among the best in the world by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education (THE). Since The UWI’s 2018 debut in THE’s rankings, it has performed well in multiple schemes—among them including World University Rankings, Golden Age University Rankings (between 50 and 80 years old), Latin America Rankings, and the 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 Well-being; Gender Equality and Climate Action.

 Learn more at www.uwi.edu

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