The Sai Prema Foundation, in collaboration with the US-based Anekant Community Centre, has successfully conducted a five-day program in Suva, offering free eye screenings and glasses to the community. The initiative began on Monday and involved 35 schools, as well as additional services provided at a local hospital.
Dr. Nitin Shah, the Director of the Anekant Community Centre, highlighted the program’s success, reporting that over 2,448 individuals have received eye care services with overwhelmingly positive feedback. Dr. Shah expressed a desire to return to Fiji, provided opportunities arise, and emphasized the necessity for the Fiji government to implement regular community screening programs. His plea aimed at making eye care more accessible and affordable for average Fijians.
“Create a system where average Fijians can afford to get their eyes checked. Very simple. Because refractive errors, especially the need for reading glasses, are simple to fix,” he noted, pointing out that as people age, needing glasses becomes common.
The team included professionals from the US and India, equipped with advanced vision screening technology designed to enhance efficiency during large-scale outreach efforts. With over 33 years of experience and humanitarian work in 28 countries, Dr. Shah emphasized the fulfillment derived from aiding those in need. The organization has conducted 24 fundraisers in the past three years to support communities affected by various natural disasters.
Last year, the Anekant Community Centre reached 165,680 individuals across 10 countries and aims to expand their outreach to over a million across the globe. This initiative is part of a larger movement within Fiji to increase access to eye care, which resonates with prior similar efforts in the region, including those by the New Vision of Fiji and the Island Eye Clinic.
The ongoing efforts to improve healthcare accessibility in Fiji demonstrate a hopeful trend towards a healthier population, underscoring the pivotal role that regular eye examinations can play in enhancing individuals’ quality of life. With international collaboration and local support, communities can look forward to improved health outcomes and wellbeing.
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