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Studies show that early detection and treatment of glaucoma, before it causes major vision loss, is the best way to control the disease.?? To this end, a number of ophthalmology and optometric clinics will offer free glaucoma screenings during World Glaucoma Week, March 10 to 16.
Glaucoma occurs when increased fluid pressure in the eye presses against the optic nerve, causing damage to fibers which may cause blind spots to develop. These blind spots usually go undetected until the optic nerve is significantly damaged which may lead to blindness.
It progresses with few or no warning signs or symptoms, and vision loss from glaucoma is irreversible. However, annual screening is recommended for people at high risk for the disease such as individuals with diabetes mellitus, a family history of glaucoma, African-Americans aged 50 and older, and Hispanic-Americans aged 65 and older.??
On Monday, March 11, screenings will be held at Anka Optical, in Speightstown from noon until 2:00 p.m. and at its Broad Street location, The City, from 2:00 until 3:30 p.m.?? That same day, persons may also visit Ashton Clinic, Lodge Hill, St. Michael, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. and Harcourt Carter at Supercentre JB’s from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Then, on Tuesday, March 12, Anka Optical in Broad Street, The city will be available from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m., the Eye Q Stylist at Limegrove, Holetown from 10:00 a.m. until noon; Harcourt Carter at Supercentre Warrens from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.; Dr. Ann Bannister, located at Harts Gap, Christ Church will offer screenings from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; Dr. Kim Jebodhsingh, 6th Avenue Belleville, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and Dr. Gita Sajeev, 5th Avenue Belleville, from 9:00 a.m. until noon.
Free screenings will also be available on Wednesday, March 13, at Anka Optical in Speightstown, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.; Dr. Kim Jebodhsingh, located at 6th Avenue Belleville from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.; Dr. Mohammed Kazi, 5th Avenue Belleville between of 2:00 and 5:00 p.m., and at the practice of Dr. Cyril Reifer, 8th Avenue Belleville, from 9:00 to 11:00 am.??
The following day, Thursday, March 14, Anka Optical in Broad Street will conduct screenings from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.; the Eye Q Stylist, Limegrove, Holetown from 10:00 a.m. to noon; Harcourt Carter, 5th Avenue Belleville, between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. and at its St. Michael’s Row Bridgetown branch between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m.; and Dr. Cyril Reifer, 8th Avenue Belleville, between 1:30 and 3:00 p.m.
On Friday, March 15, persons may visit Anka Optical, Speightstown between noon and 2:00 p.m., Anka’s Broad Street branch from 2:00 until 3:30 p.m.; Enhanced Vision, Hastings Plaza, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Harcourt Carter, St. Michael’s Row, Bridgetown, between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m.; Dr. Ann Bannister, Harts Gap, Christ Church, between 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; Dr. Kim Jebodhsingh, 6th Avenue Belleville, from 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. and Dr. M.A Thangaraj, 4th Avenue Belleville, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Finally, on Saturday, March 16, Eye Q Stylist at Limegrove Holetown will offer free glaucoma screenings from 10:00 a.m. until noon.??
Members of the public are urged to make use of the free screenings.??