Over 423 residents from communities in Trinidad have received critical eye care services thanks to a partnership between UWI St Augustine’s Optometry Unit and charity organisation Canadian Vision Care. The screenings took place from February 19 to 22.
Community members from La Vega in Gran Couva, Tortuga, Tabaquite, Flanagin Town, and Talparo were screened for glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetes-related complications, alongside special assessments for children and seniors. They were also given blood pressure readings.
Dr Kingsley K Ekemiri, Head of The UWI Optometry Clinic, said that the exercise showed the school’s “dedication to promoting community health” and helping residents “prioritise their vision and overall wellness”. Among the communities, Tortuga stood out with its remarkable turnout. Approximately 230 people took part in the comprehensive vision screenings.
Dr Ekemiri thanked Canadian Vision Care and the people who participated, saying that the clinic “looked forward to future opportunities to provide accessible vision health services”.
Even though the four-day screening has been completed, reps from The UWI Optometry Clinic say their services to T&T’s communities continue. Stationed at the Couva Hospital and Multi-Training Facility, the clinic provides services like eye examinations and specialised assessments, including binocular and low vision evaluations at affordable rates.
The UWI Optometry Unit is part of UWI St Augustine’s Faculty of Medical Sciences based in Mt Hope. Canadian Vision Care is a Calgary-based charity organisation that provides eye care services to people around the world.
For appointments and to inquire about vision services at The UWI Optometry Clinic, call 1 (868) 225 1018 or email Sta-fms.OptometryClinic@sta.uwi.edu.
