Congratulations to the 2014 Optometry graduates – University Of Guyana, Bachelors of Science in Optometry.
Front row (seated) – Khohane Blake, Juewan Murray, Antonia McCurchin, Luciean Andrews
2nd row – Charles Vandyke – (National Programme Manager CCB-Eye Care Guyana), Arvel Grant (CEO, CCB Eye Care Caribbean), Khemol Roshan, Stephanie Jean-Jacques, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran (Minister of Health), Madonna Narine, Gordon Marshall, Rev. Noel Holder (Head of Public Health – University of Guyana), Dr. Imran Khan (Chief Programme Development Advisor – Sightsavers)
3rd row – Mahendra Rampersaud, Demali Lovell, Imran Khan, Romeo Singh, Stephan Dundas, Jonelle Duke, Keshi Pyle, Dr. Genalin Ang (Head of Optometry Studies -University of Guyana), Andrew Adams
We are delighted to have partnered with: The new Optometrists; Management, faculty and staff of the UOG; Bryan Holden Vision; The European Commission; The Ministry Of Health and wider Government of Guyana and SightSavers, in the successful delivery of this programme.
The achievements of the graduates mark the beginning of a new and positive era in the development and delivery of eye health services to the peoples of: Guyana and the rest of the Caribbean. The new Optometrists will play a pivotal role in helping every one living in our region, claim and protect their right to sight and good eye health.
The World Council Of Optometry now lists the BSO programme of the University Of Guyana as one of the 13 recognized Optometry training programmes in the Caribbean & Latin America. The UOG Optometry programme is one of 2 programmes recognized in the Caribbean. The other being the programme offered by the University Of The West Indies in Trinidad & Tobago.
Link to the UOG listing: http://www.worldoptometry.org/en/schools-of-optometry/latin-america.cfm/page/2/
The four (4) year Bachelor of Science in Optometry (BSO) started in 2010. It is based in the Faculty of Health Sciences, Department Of Public Health; and is the first of a multi-level Optometry training programme being developed by the University of Guyana and its partners. The BSO is built on the core curriculum prescribed by the General Optical Council (GOC-United Kingdom) with a strong emphasis on public health and Community eye health. Consistent with level 3 of the WCO’s core competencies; Its emphasis is Ocular diagnostic services. It aims to help Guyana and the Caribbean achieve the goals and objectives of Vision 2020 The Right to Sight. It currently has an international enrolment including students from five (5) countries across the Caribbean. Our students get the unique opportunity to undertake their clinical attachment in some of the top eye clinics across the region. There are currently 82 students studying Optometry at the University Of Guyana.
Arvel Grant, C.Sw, B.Sc-Sw (Hons) DPA MPH
Chief Executive Officer
CCB-Eye Care Caribbean