The National Eyes Center (NEC) has provided free eyeglasses to the vision impaired to enable them to see clearly.
The director of NEC, Dr.Marcelino Coreia, said the eyeglasses were free to those unable to purchase their own.
“Those who can afford it should buy them, so we can continue to support the program,” Doctor Correia said in Bidau, Dili.
He said there were various kinds of eyeglasses with different prices.
The glasses sell for between $25,00 and $40,00.
He said the ophthalmology program and glasses were provided for by international organizations in New Zealand and Australia and the medicine was provided by the government.
Member of Parliament Eladio Faculto said it was important to provide adequate treatment to the community members.
He said eyeglasses were not the only solution to vision impairment and that curable conditions should be treated.
“Firstly, medics should hold anin-depth examination of people’s eyes and if necessary, then give them eyeglasses. Medics can sometimes cure the sight problems that are caused by infection,” he said.
The Member of Commission F (health, education, culture, veterans and gender equality) called on the Ministry of Health to provide more support to the National Eyes Center as it still lacked facilities and staff.
