Over 1,200 vulnerable Guyanese received spectacles in the last year – Minister Persaud

More than 1,200 vulnerable Guyanese suffering from various eye ailments have received spectacles worth $2 million from the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security over the last year.

The last such donation was made on Monday in Coomacka, Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) by Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud.

Since assuming office, Minister Persaud has been providing the service to vulnerable citizens in rural communities in need of spectacles. The distribution is expected to reach every citizen in need of eyewear.

Ninety residents of Coomacka received their tested eyewear from the Human Services Minister.

The initiative was the fulfilment of a promise made to residents earlier in the year.

Minister Persaud partnered with a number of optometrists from reputable eyewear services including Courts Optical and Miracle Optical to carry out eye tests and provide spectacles to residents of the community.

Rebecca Charles, an elderly resident who suffered from cataract in both eyes said the glasses are assisting her greatly.

“I feel nice because it helps me a lot, I can make out people and before I could not have made out anything and it prevented me a lot from reading and so. So, I am very glad.”

“I feel honoured, it’s really an opportunity which I appreciate a lot. I think it is a very good initiative and a lot of people will benefit especially those who are financially crippled.  At least the government is doing their best to see how they can help in this special way,” said Verna Wilson-Thom.

Claudette Ettienne, another recipient that suffers from cataract, received her first pair of eye wear from the ministry on Monday.

“I am happy and I count myself blessed. God bless the government that (is) helping us. I am thankful for what they have given, and I am blessed with the opportunity to receive from them.”

Persons interested in receiving an eyewear can do so by providing ministerial officials with a quotation from a reputable eyeglass store that liaises with the ministry.