EYE Q Optical has continued its commitment to improving ocular health by supporting the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) in its glaucoma screening initiative, an ongoing partnership that began in 2019. The initiative was created to raise awareness about the disease and provide screenings to health-care workers, who, due to their demanding roles and responsibilities in caring for others, sometimes neglect their own health. This year, the screening programme was conducted on World Sight Day, where staff members had the opportunity to get screened for glaucoma, a sight-threatening condition that disproportionately affects individuals of African descent.

Using advanced technology like Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), the screenings provide vital information for diagnosing glaucoma. KPH is home to the only OCT machine in the public health system, which serves as a non-invasive gold standard diagnostic tool. Ophthalmologist and glaucoma Clinical Lead at KPH, Dr Camara Brown, leading the initiative, emphasised the importance of early detection.

“Glaucoma is the number one cause of irreversible blindness in the world and a significant contributor to blindness in our country. Though exact figures are not known, some studies have estimated the prevalence in Jamaica to be as high as 12 per cent. Glaucoma represents a group of diseases that remain asymptomatic until advanced stages. Worse outcomes, including more advanced disease and onset at a younger age, are common in populations of largely African descent. For this reason screening in this country is imperative to diagnose early disease and initiate treatment,” she said.

“Our partnership with Eye Q Optical has been crucial. Their team has supported us every step of the way, providing screening equipment and expert personnel, ensuring that we can conduct comprehensive eye exams.”

This year’s event also welcomed Jessica Cooke Bailey, PhD, associate professor at East Carolina University’s Centre for Health Disparities, who visited Jamaica to experience the initiative first-hand. Having previously connected with Dr Brown, Dr Cooke Bailey expressed her interest in better understanding why individuals of African descent have an increased rate of glaucoma.

Dr Aron Wohl, CEO and lead optometrist of Eye Q Optical, emphasised the company’s dedication to eye health.

“At Eye Q Optical we understand the importance of thorough ocular exams, particularly in detecting conditions like glaucoma. We are proud to partner with KPH in this initiative, loaning our equipment and providing our expertise to ensure that early diagnosis and treatment are prioritised. We remain committed to supporting initiatives that promote eye health in our community.”

Dr Aron Wohl, CEO and lead optometrist at Eye Q Optical, uses a hand-held tonometer to measure hygiene attendant Sandra Dunkley’s intraocular pressure.

Dr Brown (right), ophthalmology resident, examines Nurse Smith’s eyes using a slit lamp biomicroscope during the KPH glaucoma screening.

Dr Camara Brown (centre), ophthalmologist and lead on the glaucoma screening initiative, administers eye drops to Deborah Hylton (seated), KPH health records clerk, while Dr Su Hlaing, ophthalmologist, reviews her optical coherence tomography screening results.