Antigua and Barbuda is moving forward with a national initiative aimed at reducing preventable blindness and strengthening eye care services through international partnerships and expanded local training.
The program, known as the “Blind Free Zone” initiative , was discussed during this week’s Cabinet meeting and forms part of a two-year agreement between the Ministry of Health and international partners.
Director General of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister, Maurice Merchant, said the effort is designed to expand access to eye care while improving early detection and treatment of vision problems.
“This is a collaborative program aimed at reducing preventable blindness and strengthening eye care services here in Antigua and Barbuda,” Merchant said.
As part of the program, Antigua and Barbuda has already received US$90,000 worth of specialized ophthalmic equipment to support eye care services across the country.
Under the initiative, several local nurses are currently undergoing specialized training in India.
“They are currently undergoing training in India at the renowned Aravind Eye Hospital, which is the largest eye care hospital network in India,” Merchant said.
Once their training is completed, the nurses will return to Antigua and Barbuda to help establish and operate two community-based eye care centres.
“Upon completion of their training, the nurses will return to Antigua to help establish and operate two community-based eye care centers under the Ministry of Health,” Merchant said.
The centres are expected to serve communities along a corridor stretching from Grace Farm through Golden Grove, Jennings, All Saints, English Harbour and Falmouth, while remaining accessible to residents from across the island.
Officials said the program will focus on early detection and treatment of preventable eye conditions, which account for a significant portion of vision loss worldwide.
The government also plans to keep the cost of eyeglasses affordable, with prices expected to remain below $100 to ensure accessibility while maintaining the sustainability of the program.