More than 300 residents of Region Five received free spectacles as part of a major community outreach led by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security earlier today. The initiative is part of the Ministry’s ongoing effort to take essential services directly into communities across Guyana.
During the outreach, 180 persons in Bath Settlement West Coast Berbice received their spectacles, while an additional 100 residents from Hope Town and surrounding areas also benefited. The program not only addresses critical eye care needs but also forms part of a broader, holistic approach to improving lives.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Hon. Dr. Vindhya Persaud, who was on the ground during the outreach, emphasized that the initiative goes beyond just delivering services as it’s about accessibility and immediate impact.
“This program started in 2021 because we believe in going into communities. It’s not only about people coming to us, but about us reaching them,” the Minister stated. “We’re not only distributing spectacles; we’re also bringing in teams from Childcare and Protection, gender-based violence prevention, juvenile support services, and more.”
The spectacle distribution program, which began three and a half years ago, has been particularly impactful in remote communities where access to eye testing is limited. Testing teams visit the areas, conduct eye exams, and return with the prescribed spectacles. The initiative also complements the government’s existing voucher program through the Ministry of Health.
Alongside eye care, the outreach featured on-the-spot assistance for issues such as old age pension, public assistance, and permanent disability support. Residents also received mobility aids including wheelchairs and walkers, part of a separate but ongoing program that has delivered over 1,000 wheelchairs annually over the past four years.
“This is a proactive and responsive approach,” Dr. Persaud explained. “Whether it’s a child, a pensioner, or anyone else from the community, being able to see clearly helps them live better, work better, and study better.”
Minister Persaud noted that such engagements also provide an opportunity to listen to residents, address concerns directly, and even coordinate with other agencies in real-time.
“It allows me to get real feedback on how our services are working and to make sure we’re constantly improving them,” she added.
