More Free Eye Care In Store For Antiguans And Barbudans

Antiguans and Barbudans will soon get yet another opportunity to receive free eye care services with the visit of a medical team from the Bolvarian Republic of Venezuela.

In a continuing effort to strengthen the traditional bonds of friendship between both countries, the Bolvarian Republic of Venezuela has agreed to include patients from Antigua and Barbuda in its Miracle Mission Program.

Venezuelan Ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda Carlos Perez says the first team arrives on the island this week to conduct screening exercises. Actual surgeries will take place when the second team visits.

Under the programme, Venezuelan doctors have already restored the sight of thousands of people from several countries in South America and it aims at restoring the sight of thousands of others in the region by 2015.

Advisor to the Minister of Health and the Environment, Simone Nicholas, says an eight-member delegation will arrive in Antigua on May 30th to screen persons suffering from vision-related diseases such as Cataract and Pterygium (tuh-rij-ee-um) Fleshiness.

Individuals are invited to call the Ministry of Health at telephone number 462-5522 between the hours of 9am – 4pm to register.