Over 200 St. Catherine Residents Screened For Vision Problems

More than 200 residents from several communities in St. Catherine, primarily schoolchildren, benefited from free eye screenings to check for vision problems, at a clinic staged by the Kiwanis Club of North Spanish Town on Saturday (February 12).

The eye checks were carried out at the Angel’s Grove Community Centre by trained personnel from Comprehensive Eyewear and the Lion’s Club of Portmore.

President of the Kiwanis Club, Simone Allen Archer, who is a school guidance counsellor, told JIS News that the screening clinic was in response to complaints from students and teachers about eye problems while reading or using technology devices.

“Because of the online modality, as a teacher myself I have heard the students and the teachers complaining about their eyes, so we thought it would be a very good project to assist them,” she said.

Ms. Allen Archer is encouraging parents to ensure that children take regular breaks from their devices and engage in physical activities.

She told JIS News that the Club will be doing other outreach projects, as well as seeking additional support to provide children with glasses.

St. Jago High School student, Mykala Edwards, thanked the club for staging the event and its efforts to assist students.

Primary-school student, Jardin Morgan, said he was grateful for the opportunity to have his eyes checked as he is in need of new glasses.

Teacher at the Angel’s Primary School, Cherice Henry Stennett, also applauded the Club for “undertaking this worthy venture,” while Crescent Primary School teacher, Dania Ricketts, said the initiative was a good one, especially for the students.

Ms. Ricketts is encouraging parents to get their children’s eyes examined if they observe them holding books or devices close to their face.