In the April 2013 Issue of Eye on Sight we feature the following:
Blindness is My Blessing
Ganesh carefully made his way up the staircase to the Cheddi Jagan Lecture Hall on the compound of the University of Guyana. He had only a few minutes to spare but was eager to update us on recent developments in his life.
Two years ago Eye On Sight introduced you to Ganesh, he then told us how he lost his vision to Glaucoma twelve years ago and the struggles encountered, including depression that engulfed him for over five years. He then declared that his involvement in Blind Cricket saved him and propelled him out of the depths of despair. Today Ganesh has another story of triumph over adversity in that he is fulfilling one of his dreams – that of attending a tertiary institution. His dream became a reality when he enrolled in the University of Guyana in September 2012.
Read more: http://www.eyecarecaribbean.com/site/ecc/eye-on-sight/blindness-is-my-blessing
From the Desk of the CEO- Arvel Grant
Continuing the push towards a Caribbean fully compliant with the objectives of Vision 2020 (The Right to Sight)
In Antigua and Barbuda
– There are plans to commence Vision Centre Services by May 2013.
– In February of this year, Optometry Clinics were successfully implemented at the Clarevue Psychiatric Hospital and the Fiennes Residence for the Elderly.
– HaMa Productions – a company based in Antigua and Barbuda, is in the process of producing a second ten minute documentary, as part of the build up of public awareness materials.
– The Cabinet of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda has awarded CCB-Eye Care Caribbean leased access to certain buildings on the Holberton Premises.
In Jamaica
– As CCB-Eye Care Caribbean moves to complete refurbishing of the Eye Department in the central Jamaican Town of Mandeville, overhead theatre lights for the Surgical Suite in the Eye Department at the Mandeville Regional Hospital is now being cleared through Jamaica Customs.
– The 2013 Caribbean Vision 2020 Meeting is to be held in Kingston, Jamaica in December.
– Jamaica Society for the Blind (JSB) adopts National Blindness Services Strategic Framework at its Annual General Meeting.
Read More: http://www.eyecarecaribbean.com/site/ecc/eye-on-sight/from-the-desk-of-the-ceo-arvel-grant-april-2013/page-2
In Haiti and Guyana
– As final preparations move into high gear, Engineers from Zeiss and CCB-Eye Care Caribbean will visit Haiti and Guyana in May to complete installations of Operating Microscopes in Guyana and Diagnostic and Operating Systems in Haiti.
– Optometry Students from the University of Guyana return home for Clinical Attachment.
– Guyana moves closer to the launch of its Vision 2020 Strategic Framework.
Read More: http://www.eyecarecaribbean.com/site/ecc/eye-on-sight/from-the-desk-of-the-ceo-arvel-grant-april-2013/page-3
Across the Region
– Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados to develop Vision 2020 Strategic Framework.
– Guyana and Grenada to receive technical support from CCB-Eye Care Caribbean on the development of Blind Services Guidelines.
Read More: http://www.eyecarecaribbean.com/site/ecc/eye-on-sight/from-the-desk-of-the-ceo-arvel-grant-april-2013/page-4
Programme Highlights – Quarter 1 (Jan-Mar) 2013
During the period under review, CCB/Eye Care Caribbean, with the support of its Members and Partners, and despite many challenges, continued to execute its programme across the region. The following are some of the highlights:
Meeting of the CCB Project Management Committee
The Project Management Committee, tasked with overseeing the implementation of the EC Project, “Delivering Vision 2020 in the Caribbean” held its annual face-to-face meeting during January 21st and 22nd, 2013 at the City View Hotel, in Antigua and Barbuda. Read More: http://www.eyecarecaribbean.com/site/ecc/eye-on-sight/programme-highlights-quarter-1-january-march-2013
Development of Comprehensive Eye Care Services in Antigua and Barbuda
The initiative by CCB/Eye Care Caribbean in collaboration with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, to facilitate comprehensive and affordable eye care services for the citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, moved closer to fruition as activities continued on several fronts. Read More: http://www.eyecarecaribbean.com/site/ecc/eye-on-sight/programme-highlights-quarter-1-january-march-2013/page-2
CCB/Eye Care Caribbean Website
The process of developing CCB Website continued with the publication of the January 2013 Edition of the Quarterly Newsletter “Eye on Sight”, a Bulletin and articles in observance of World Glaucoma Week. Read More: http://www.eyecarecaribbean.com/site/ecc/eye-on-sight/programme-highlights-quarter-1-january-march-2013/page-3
Mandeville Regional Hospital Development Programme
The development of Operating Theatres and a Spectacle Laboratory at the Mandeville Regional Hospital is nearing completion. Read More: http://www.eyecarecaribbean.com/site/ecc/eye-on-sight/programme-highlights-quarter-1-january-march-2013/page-4
Procurement of Equipment and Materials
With the support of Sightsavers, the process has been initiated for the procurement of equipment for five Vision Centres, to be located in Public Hospitals, in Haiti (2) and Jamaica (3). Read More: http://www.eyecarecaribbean.com/site/ecc/eye-on-sight/programme-highlights-quarter-1-january-march-2013/page-5
Establishment of a Bio-medical Training Lab
In an effort to provide support and maintenance services for the work of the Vision Centres, a Bio- Medical Training Lab will be sited in Antigua and Barbuda. Read More: http://www.eyecarecaribbean.com/site/ecc/eye-on-sight/programme-highlights-quarter-1-january-march-2013/page-6
Glaucoma Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) Study
In preparation for the launch of a Glaucoma KAP Study, the Proposal Document was submitted to the Ethics Committee in Barbados for approval, in what is believed to be the final step, before the Study commences. Read More: http://www.eyecarecaribbean.com/site/ecc/eye-on-sight/programme-highlights-quarter-1-january-march-2013/page-7
Support to the Jamaica Society for the Blind (JSB) in developing a National Framework for Blindness Services
The draft of the Jamaica Society for the Blind’s National Strategic Framework for Blindness Services has been shared with the Society and feedback received. This has been included in a revised draft and plans are underway to present the Framework to the Annual General Meeting of the organisation which is scheduled for April 20th, 2013. Read More: http://www.eyecarecaribbean.com/site/ecc/eye-on-sight/programme-highlights-quarter-1-january-march-2013/page-8
World Book and Copyright Day 2013
World Book and Copyright Day is observed on April 23 each year. It is a date that is symbolic in the world of Literature as it marks the death of several well known authors, including William Shakespeare.
Louis Braille brought the published literature to the finger tips of persons who are blind, by developing a system which makes it the norm for us to acquire the art of reading. Modern technology (including) Electronic Screen Readers, provides every one (including persons who are blind or low vision) with unprecedented access to the written word. In recognition of World Book and Copyright Day, the Caribbean Council for the Blind takes a look at the work of the Special Education Unit of the Ministry of Education in Jamaica.
See our short documentary about the work of this unit at: http://www.eyecarecaribbean.com/site/ecc/news-events/world-book-and-copyright-day-2013
Hypertensive Retinopathy
Hypertensive Retinopathy refers to the effect of hypertension on the retina. Hypertension damages the walls of the Retinal Artåerioles resulting in thickening of the walls and narrowing of the lumen. These thickened arterioles then compress the retinal veins where they cross over them resulting in arteriovenous or AV nipping. These signs are related to Chronic Systemic Hypertension.
For more on this article by Consultant Ophthalmologist – Dr. Hazel Shillingford-Ricketts at: http://www.eyecarecaribbean.com/site/ecc/world-health-day/hypertensive-retinopathy-dr-shillingford-ricketts
Hypertensive Retinopathy is a condition that describes damage to the retina caused by high blood pressure. The retina is the layer of tissue that lines the back of the eye and is responsible for the conversion of images that enter the eye into signals that are sent along the nerves back to the brain. The changes in Hypertensive Retinopathy result from adaptive changes in the large and small vessel circulation in response to the high blood pressure resulting in damage.
For more on this article by Consultant Ophthalmologist – Dr. Gavin Henry visit: http://www.eyecarecaribbean.com/site/ecc/world-health-day/hypertensive-retinopathy-dr-gavin-henry