A community eye-screening project that has helped around 1,800 needy elderly residents will likely be extended when it ends this year. The Mobile Eye Clinic (MEC), a project by both the Singapore Society of Ophthalmology and Standard Chartered Bank, has been providing free eye check ups for elderly folk about the age of 65 since 2014.
The eighth mobile clinic, was held yesterday at the SilverACE Senior Activity Centre in Lengkok Bahru, where about 200 residents received free eye checks. Associate Professor Lee Shu Yen, president of the Singapore Society of Ophthalmology, told The Sunday Times yesterday that the project, which was given a grant of $100,000 by StandChart, would "likely continue" after September, when it is scheduled to end.
Since it started, the MEC has been visiting needy neighbourhoods, including Chin Swee and Jalan Besar, to administer eye-health tests, including vision checks and eye-pressure tests. Those found with conditions were given referrals to seek treatment at hospitals. Their first consultation at hospitals is free.
Unlike other similar initiatives, under the MEC, volunteers will call and remind residents to go for follow up treatment. Free transport is arranged for the residents - most of whom live alone in one room flats - to go for their follow up check ups at the hospital. Prof Lee said many of the elderly residents do not come forward for treatment on their own because they either think their condition is part and parcel of ageing or are worried about the cost.
MEC programme director Marcus Ang said 10 per cent of the patients screened suffer from "severe visual impairment". "Some of these conditions, like cataracts, are easily treated with surgery", he said. Of about 1,800 residents who have been screened, about 1,000 require follow up treatment.
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