DIABETIC patients now have a better chance of preserving their eyesight thanks to new laser equipment installed at the Foundation for International Self Help (FISH) medical clinic in Kingston for use in eye-care services.

Acquired at a cost of $4.4 million, the machine is especially critical for special needs diabetic patients at risk for diabetic retinopathy caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the back of the eyes.

At a ceremony for the unveiling of the equipment at the clinic on October 13, “World Sight Day”, Lion Dr Blossom Anglin Brown, Lions Club of New Kingston, explained that the acquisition of the equipment evolved from a proposal put together by the Lions clubs of New Kingston and Mona under her stewardship as Region 4 chair and Lion Dr Denise Forrest as District 60B governor in 2019/2020.

Dr Forrest of the Lions Club of Mona and who chaired the ceremony, said the date was most significant “as Lions all over the world, along with the International Agency For the Prevention of Blindness, are focused on the importance of eye care”.

Tracing the journey, Dr Anglin Brown expanded: “After doing an international sight project in collaboration with the FISH clinic, it became clear to us that Jamaicans would benefit from having laser equipment available in the public/private space. We collaborated with Mrs Bette Grant-Otunla, a director of the clinic and whose late father established the facility, presented our proposal to several funding agencies and were elated by the positive response from the National Health Fund [NHF]. We are truly grateful for the shared vision of by the Lions Club of Mona, Lions Club of New Kingston, the FISH clinic and the financial support of the NHF, which has made this project a success.”

Noting that the novel coronavirus pandemic caused delays in acquiring the equipment, Dr Anglin Brown said: “Today we unveil the machine to our users and cement the collaboration with the FISH clinic. We pray that it will be of great benefit to the people of Jamaica as we follow the motto of our Lions movement ‘We Serve’.”

Lions Paula Bartley, Zone Chair, 4B and Sharon Hastings, president, Lions Club of Mona concurred.

In her remarks, Otunla recounted earlier difficulties in raising funds to expand operations at the 37-year-old clinic and expressed gratitude to their sponsors, including Food For the Poor, which provided shipping and customs clearance services for the laser equipment.

“Our clinic has come a long way since its inception in 1985. What began as essentially an eye-care facility now covers the full gamut of primary health care, including general medical, dental, and pharmaceutical services. We have benefited tremendously from the goodwill of volunteers, employees, donors, and clients. We are pleased to welcome the Lions and the NHF on board as we fix our vision on expanding the accommodation for the eye clinic which remains our flagship service and which has substantially outgrown its operational space,” she said.