Children get free glasses as health camp uncovers eye issues

Previously undiagnosed vision problems have been detected among children during a free medical camp conducted by an Australian medical team in Labasa.

Heal International Australia also identified lifestyle-related health issues linked to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among adults examined during the two-day camp at Labasa Muslim Primary School.

Children found with vision problems will be provided with free prescription glasses.

Heal International national project coordinator Dr Maureen Khan said the assessments helped the team identify key health issues affecting people in Labasa.

Special attention was given to children’s eye health, with parents advised about the importance of identifying and addressing vision problems early.

“Early eye-care and free prescribed diagnosis will help improve children's growth and development,” she emphasised.

The 13-member team of healthcare professionals organised the free medical camp to provide services to the community and help patients better understand their medical conditions.

Dr Khan said the team planned to return to Fiji in six to 12 months to review patients and conduct follow-up assessments.

Strong turnout

The free medical camp also attracted a strong turnout, with people arriving before the team began its work.

“I was pleasantly surprised and blessed, we got here at the camp an hour earlier, but, observed the crowd of people starting to queue up near the school gate hours in advance,” she reiterated.

Dr Khan, an emergency physician based on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia, said it felt great to contribute to her hometown.