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

Spectacles worth $2 M were given to more than 1,200 vulnerable Guyanese suffering from
various eye ailments by the Human Services and Social Security Ministry over the last year.
Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud was part of the last such donation on Monday in Coomacka,
Upper Demerara-Berbice (Region Ten). The minister said that she has been providing this
service to vulnerable citizens in rural communities in need of spectacles since assuming office.
She pointed out that the distribution is expected to reach every citizen in need of eyewear. She
explained that 90 residents of Coomacka received their tested eyewear from her ministry. She
said that this initiative was the fulfilment of a promise she made to residents earlier in the year.
Dr. 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
expressed gratitude. “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,” Charles said. Verna Wilson-Thom said; “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.”

Meanwhile, another resident Claudette Ettienne, who is affected from cataract, received her first
pair of eye wear from the ministry. “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,” Ettienne said.
The ministry advised that 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.