MORE than 200 patients and staff at Bellevue Hospital received vital vision acuity screening over two days last week, through a collaboration involving the Lions Club of St Andrew Central, the Bellevue Hospital Psychology Department, and the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Medical Services Division.

The outreach brought together Lions and Leos from Mona, as well as Lions from Portmore and St Andrew, in a unified show of compassion and service.

Spearheaded by the Lions Club of St Andrew Central, the initiative responded to growing concern about undetected vision issues among the hospital’s population.

Dr Marlon Simpson, clinical psychologist at Bellevue, first raised the red flag after observing patients struggling with vision-related difficulties that were affecting their overall well-being.

“Vision is fundamental to mental and emotional wellness, yet it is too often overlooked in psychiatric care,” said Dr Simpson.

“When I noticed the extent of the issue, I reached out to the Lions. Their response was swift and sincere,” added Dr Simpson.

Throughout the two-day screening, 200 patients and 55 staff members were tested for visual acuity and assessed for cognitive resilience. Thirty-five individuals were provided with free reading glasses, offering immediate relief and improved daily function.

Additionally, more than 65 people were referred for further care, including follow-up appointments at Kingston Public Hospital, and referrals to trusted, affordable providers such as the Lions Vision Clinic on Beechwood Avenue and the Jamaica Society for the Blind Vision Centre on Old Hope Road.

The screenings laid the foundation for broader collaboration with discussions already started around launching joint projects to improve the hospital environment and deepen community engagement.

Potential initiatives include tree planting, the creation of a Lions Peace Park, the development of a hydroponic garden and integrated canopy system, and possibly the construction of a new residential unit and rehabilitation facility with support from Lions Club International Foundation and other partners.

Brenda Scarlett Miller, chair of the Health and Wellbeing Committee of the Lions Club of St Andrew Central, stressed the importance of the partnership.

“Eye health is essential to overall well-being and must not be overlooked, whether in individual care or within institutions like Bellevue,” said Miller.

“As Lions, we believe in building strong partnerships with community institutions to deliver total quality care that treats the whole person. When we come together with purpose, we can create lasting changes in lives and systems,”

Christopher Chinapoo, president of the Lions Club of St Andrew Central, echoed Miller’s sentiment.

“As Lions, we are called to serve wherever the need exists. Dr Simpson shared his concern, and we responded, with vision screening, and a vision for long-term collaboration that will enhance the quality of life for residents, staff and surrounding communities,” said Chinapoo.

The project concluded with three Bellevue nurses expressing interest in volunteering with the Lions, inspired by the hands-on service and community spirit.

“This project shows what’s possible when civic-minded professionals and service organisations work together. It’s a model for integrated, compassionate care that puts people first,” said Dr Simpson.