CLIVEL GRANT, 60 years old, earned his livelihood over the years selling roots on the streets of Linstead, St Catherine, but these days, his earnings have been decreasing as his vision is deteriorating.

"I normally go to the woods to get the products to boil my roots, but I can't do that anymore because of my sight. Also, I am not able to walk and sell in Linstead, especially when the streets are crowded because I bounce into people," he lamented.

Grant said he was puzzled at his sudden loss of vision and had not noted any improvement even though he had visited the doctor and had been receiving medical treatment.

He was one of the hundreds of persons who received eye-care treatment at the Lions Club Civic Centre in Linstead, St Catherine, earlier this week.

The service was offered through a partnership between the Lions Club of North St Catherine and the Canadian Vision Care (CVC) group.

Grant was diagnosed with glaucoma and is very confident he will be better with the group's assistance.

"When I heard that the doctors were coming, I was happy because I really needed the help and I don't have a lot of money," he said.

Grant told Rural Xpress that he was extremely pleased with the professional service he received on his visit.

"They examined me and I am to get glasses, and I am very happy because I would have to pay a lot of money to get it, and maybe I wouldn't be able to afford it," he added.

Dr Jerry Rawl, optometrist of CVC, said his group sees up to 7,000 persons annually in Jamaica.

Every drop counts

"We find it to be a privilege to help persons of Jamaica. We think we are a drop in a large ocean, but every drop counts," he said.

Rawl added: "The need in Jamaica is great. We see a large number of patients with glaucoma, cataract, and diabetes disease over the years," he explained.

President of the Lions Club, Michael Blair, said the club had been hosting the eye doctors for more than 30 years.

"The club is pleased to partner with Canadian Vision Care once more to provide quality eye care to more than 300 adults and children," he said.

Blair added: "The impact was great because there were pronounced cases where persons were really in need, so we are happy we could have helped."

- Nadisha Hunter