Barbados: Health Ministry Launches Routine Eye Screening for Young Children

Barbados: The Ministry of Health of Barbados is offering routine eye screening for children aged three to five, in order to detect any visual deficiencies at an early age.

This service is currently available at four of the island’s polyclinics and reflects the government’s commitment to addressing vision issues early, especially in young children.

The Ministry of Health in regard to this stated, “It is necessary to conduct regular visual activities and check the sharpness of children’s eyesight as soon they start identifying pictures at the eye screening charts.”

“A child’s vision and eye alignment should be checked during the specified age range, and parents are encouraged to have their little ones screened,” they added.

It is to be noted that as a child starts growing older, their vision also develops and undergoes rapid changes. These changes can sometimes result in visual discrepancies.

In addition to this, as the children are young, they don’t realize the change in their vision and usually habituate to the same making routine checkups a necessity. Some eye problems, if left untreated, can cause permanent damage to the cornea, resulting in vision loss.

The authorities further noted that “Early screening, detection, and necessary treatment of visual deficiencies are important interventions to protect a child’s vision.”

The authorities noted that the facility is available at Branford Taitt in Black Rock; Eunice Gibson, Warrens; Winston Scott, Jemmotts Lane, all in St. Michael; and Randal Phillips in Oistins, Christ Church.

Parents or guardians can visit these polyclinics to schedule an appointment according to their convenience. The parents are advised to carry their child’s national identification number or card along with them to schedule the appointment.

Early detection of vision problems is essential for a child’s overall development, preventing potential learning difficulties and long-term issues.  This program hence is led by the government in order to enhance child healthcare across Barbados, ensuring that all children have access to essential medical services.