LIONs free ‘Eye Care 4 U’ begins

Heart felt thanks have been lavished on the LIONS Club of St. Vincent and the US eye care team operating under the Eye Care 4 U programme.{{more}}

The team will conclude a week of eye examinations today at the St. Vincent Teachers College at Arnos Vale. The programme, which is 35 years old, treats Vincentians who have eye problems free of charge. Medical supplies and glasses are also distributed and surgeries are gratis.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the programme on Tuesday at the college, co-ordinator of the US team, Joe Scheinkoenig, said that the team comprises doctors, students, and volunteers who gave up their busy schedule to assist Vincentians. He further thanked the team for their selfless devotion to the programme.

Giving remarks, Chief Medical Officer Dr St. Clair Thomas commended the team on their work, adding that he is aware of the commitment of the team to the project. “We appreciate very much what you are doing,” he said.

LIONS president Alson Jack stated that the organization’s aim stemmed from the commitment made by Lions years ago, through a request made by Helen Keller. Jack explained that it was Helen Keller who commissioned the LIONS to assist the blind. Jack added that the cost of the service provided by the team amounts to $1.4 million.

The programme commenced on Sunday, May 23, 2010, with surgeries at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital and examinations at the Teachers’ College which continued throughout the week. Last year, over 300 persons received glasses, while 18 eye surgeries were conducted successfully.