Eye Care
UV (Ultra Violet) levels are particularly high around the equator and in tropical areas. This leads to an increased incidence of Cataract and Pterygium. "Dry Eye" is also a problem caused by the high UV levels.
TroppoDoc sees many patients with these conditions, as well as patients with Eye Conditions, Conjunctivitis, Eye Injuries, Vitamen A Deficiency (often associated with Measles), Diabetic Retinopathy and people who are having trouble with their vision - reading or seeing in the distance. Cataract patients are identified and referred to the appropriate service where available.
Education on eye care is given by TroppoDoc. Even cheap basic sunglasses will still block significant levels of UV light. We collect used spectacles for reading and seeing in the distance, along with sunglasses and distribute these to the people in need attending our clinics. The patients are very grateful, as often there are no Optometrist/Optician services available in their area and they can not afford the cost of transport to a larger island to access Optometrists/Opticians, let alone the charge to be seen.
As a volunteer, if you are able to please collect old spectacles and sunglasses from friends or Optometrists/Opticians in your area, this would be most welcomed. Progressive lenses and bifocals are not so suitable, as these are generally specific to individual's needs. Lubricating eye drops are always useful also.
If you are able to collect spectacles and/or sunglasses and/or lubricating eye drops, but are unable to volunteer physically, please contact Margaret Thorpe - see "Contacts Page".
The photo below shows a patient with a Cataract, who presented to one of our TroppoDoc free medical clinics.
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