The National Eye Center has partnered with the The Fred Hollows Foundation New Zealand to provide free eye tests to the public.
National Eye Center (SNM) director Marcelino Vicente Correia said the free tests were held to mark October’s World Eye Day which raises awareness the importance of eye health.
“We remind our community members that eye disease needs early treatment. Do not wait until it gets serious to go to a health facility; they will not be able to do anything,” he said.
He said the events were held across an entire day, providing check-ups to glasses wearers, giving glasses to those who needed them and providing referrals to those requiring eye surgery.
The theme of this year’s celebrations was “Saving eyes, improving lives”, which Dr Correia said reflected the importance of healthy eyes in everyday life.
“Lots of communities have eye problems but they are afraid to have them checked out and to have surgery,” he said.
“Because they lack knowledge, they use traditional medicine which makes the problem worse and by the time they go to a health facility, nothing can be done.”
Patient Teodoro Pereira Goncalves said sight was extremely important to every person’s life.
“I saw the information at the market so I took the time to have an eye test so if there is a problem I will know and can have treatment early as sight is very important to my life,” he said.
Jose da Costa applauded the initiative but said it should be done regularly across all communities in Timor-Leste.
“The government and relevant institutions every year should do this in all territories, particularly in rural areas so people there can get proper treatment for their eye problems,” he said.
