Over 100 St Ann residents receive free laser eye surgeries
SELECTIVE LASER Trabeculoplasty (SLT) became a reality for over 100 St Ann residents this past month as the Sandals Foundation and Great Shape! iCARE programme offered the procedure free of cost to the community.
Valued at a cost upward of US$1,000 per patient, SLT helps to prevent or delay blindness in persons suffering from open-angle glaucoma.
A total of 255 residents in St Ann and surrounding areas were seen at the free eye clinic set up at the Steer Town Methodist Church.
For the last nine years, the Sandals Foundation and Great Shape! Inc. partnership has created access to eye care and dental services for over 207,000 Caribbean residents. As both organisations move into their 10th anniversary, they have expanded their offerings to, for the first time, include free SLT surgeries for needy residents.
Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation Heidi Clarke said that the clinic gives residents access to basic health services and procedures, some of whom have never seen an eye specialist before.
“When you have a community member who has been suffering for years with a condition finally being able to see clearly for the first time, you’ll understand why it is so important for us to continue supporting and offering these clinics. For the past nine years, this eye care clinic, as well as the free dental clinics, have provided critical services to thousands of residents across the region, a feat that we are very proud of and something that we hope to continue for years to come.”
Seventy-four-year-old Carmen Jones traveled from Islington, St Mary, to make use of what she called ‘a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’.
“I was so happy when it was announced in my church. All it cost me was taxi money. There were lots of people, but the team of volunteers was extremely organised, friendly, and professional, and I was able to get my surgery and sunglasses.”
She added, “I could not afford to pay for this service as I am retired, with minimal income. Before, I was told I had to go to the doctor and pay plenty of money for the treatment. I am still saving and can’t reach the amount yet. I am glad I went to church and found out. My God is always on time.”
According to Steven Stern, executive director of Great Shape! iCARE, the programme has served over 37,658 patients and distributed over 71,000 pairs of glasses to residents in Jamaica and The Turks and Caicos.
“This is our first year providing Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty for open-angle glaucoma using a YAG laser. This will prevent glaucoma sufferers from going blind and eliminate continued optic nerve damage. We are thrilled to offer this SLT laser surgery as a new treatment for iCARE’s 10th anniversary. This is also our five-year anniversary of providing free cataract surgeries in local hospitals. To date, we have performed 142 surgeries, often restoring vision to those who had completely lost their sight.”
The clinic has also performed screenings for diabetes and hypertension for several thousand residents over the years, providing goods and services valued at over US$8.7 million.
Since its inception in 2009, the Sandals Foundation has supported the Great Shape! Inc to provide free eye care, dental services, and literacy and teacher training programmes to residents in several Caribbean islands, with Sandals Resorts International providing accommodation and the foundation covering meals, transportation, communications, and logistical support to all volunteers to make these missions possible.
This year, the clinic expanded outside of Jamaica for the first time, conducting a clinic in Providenciales, Turks & Caicos, where volunteers served 2,482 patients.
HOSPITALITY JAMAICA