Saint Lucia, West Virginia University collaborate on children’s eye health

The Saint Lucia Blind Welfare Association (SLBWA), on Monday, September 12, launched the annual Kids Insight Project for 2022

Saint Lucia, West Virginia University collaborate on children's eye health
Saint Lucia, West Virginia University collaborate on children's eye health

Castries, Saint Lucia: The Saint Lucia Blind Welfare Association (SLBWA), on Monday, September 12, launched the annual Kids Insight Project for 2022. The project, which is in its 18th year, is a collaboration between the SLBWA and West Virginia University. This year, the focus will be on children and cataract surgeries.

SLBWA President, Glen Simon, said blindness affects every facet of society.

“One of the core things the Saint Lucia Blind Welfare Association wants to address in Saint Lucia is the prevention of blindness,” he said. “Eye care is extremely expensive, and because a number of persons can’t afford it, their eyesight will be lost as a result. So this program is extremely important. It affects the average child in a classroom who cannot see the board, which may result in learning deficiencies. We’re also addressing persons who are born with illnesses that they cannot address that affects their eyesight, and those who are suffering from probable cases of violence.”

The Saint Lucia Lions Club, through the Gros Islet division, presented a $10,000 cheque to support the efforts of the association. President Kerris Smith highlighted the history of the relationship between the two entities and expressed his appreciation to donors who made the presentation possible.

“The Lion’s Club has been having fundraisers to support this cause, and despite the fact that the last couple years have been quite challenging, the Gros Islet club was able to make a significant contribution of $10,000.”

Anthony Avril, Executive Director of the SLBWA, thanked the Lions Club for its continued assistance and encouraged the public to support the efforts of the Blind Welfare Association.