Latest update March 24th, 2025 7:05 AM
Lions Club sponsors complete vision care for children
Three students were yesterday the beneficiaries of complete eye examinations which
The Lions Club members in the company of the eye care beneficiaries.
ended with them being prescribed much needed spectacles. The examinations, which were all conducted at Lens Craft Optical, Croal Street, Georgetown, were funded by the Georgetown Stabroek Lion’s Club.
Speaking to media operatives yesterday, Second-Term President of the Lions Club, Odessa DeBarros, said that on an annual basis in excess of $300,000 is budgeted to cater to such undertakings.
This is in light of the fact that the Club embraces the Lions International annual observance of “Eye Bank Month” each October. This month, according to DeBarros, is one in which persons requiring crucial eye-care are targeted for support.
And these persons, DeBarros said, could include members of the public as well as those from organisations particularly schools.
Moreover, assessments were conducted at two schools from which three children with the most severe cases of visionary challenges were identified. The children selected were Daniella Belgrave and Delon Browne of the David Rose School for the Handicapped and Jelani Armstrong of St. Stephen’s Primary School.
According to DeBarros, while the children were some time ago prescribed spectacles, none of them were so outfitted.
While the need for spectacles was seen as a great need to aid the vision of the children, the worst case was however, that of Daniella’s eyes. With squinting, watery eyes, she was the first to be examined by the attending Eye Doctor, Dr. Abby Sanchez. Teacher at the David Rose School and the Lions Club First Year Director, Jannel Bishop, recalled that Daniella lost her spectacles after an accident at school. It then became increasingly difficult for her to see.
Also witnessing the screening yesterday was the Lions Club Secretary, Miranda Marcus-Xavier who also teaches at the St. Stephen’s Primary School.
And it was following a thorough examination of the child’s eyes that the worst was discovered. Based on the doctor’s observation both of the 11-year-old’s eyes failed to develop properly. This, according to the doctor, resulted in the eye nerves becoming twisted.
Moreover, Dr. Sanchez said that not only would Daniella require a type of spectacles that would cost $150,000, but the child would also need constant eye drops that will attract a cost of approximately $45,000 monthly.
Daniella Belgrave being attended to by Dr. Abby Sanchez.
Although such interventions will help to improve the child’s vision, the doctor categorically informed that the damage has already been done and therefore is “too late to correct.”
The two other children were thoroughly examined and were also found to be in dire need of spectacles.
“We thought it best to fill the gap here,” said DeBarros as she noted that this undertaking is usually an annual feature that is done in collaboration with Lens Craft Optical.
The Lions Club of Stabroek has been in existence for 12 years and, according to DeBarros, each October spectacles are either donated to selected members of the public or to a particular organisation. Thus far, more than 200 children and adults have benefited from this project, the Lions Club President said.
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