Eye Q Optical and KPH Partner to Preserve Vision Through Glaucoma Screenings for Healthcare Workers

Eye Q Optical has solidified its commitment to advancing ocular health by collaborating with Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) in a glaucoma screening initiative that has been running since 2019. This partnership is dedicated to raising awareness about glaucoma—a serious eye condition that can lead to blindness—and ensuring healthcare workers, who often put their own health on the back burner, have access to vital screenings.

The latest screening session was organized on World Sight Day, October 10, offering KPH staff the chance to undergo screenings specifically focused on glaucoma. Glaucoma is particularly concerning for individuals of African descent, who are at higher risk, making early detection even more important. The program utilizes cutting-edge technology, including Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)—the only one available within Jamaica’s public healthcare system. This noninvasive diagnostic tool is critical in accurately identifying glaucoma, enabling timely interventions.

Dr. Camara Brown, who spearheads the initiative, underscored the critical role of early detection in the fight against glaucoma. “Glaucoma remains the leading cause of irreversible blindness globally, and it is a significant contributor to vision loss in Jamaica. Although exact prevalence rates are uncertain, some estimates suggest glaucoma could affect up to 12% of the population,” she noted. Dr. Brown emphasized the increased risk and severity for individuals of African descent, who tend to experience the disease at a younger age and with more advanced symptoms by the time they are diagnosed.

Dr. Brown praised Eye Q Optical’s invaluable support in the initiative. “Their team has provided both advanced screening equipment and skilled personnel, enabling us to conduct in-depth eye examinations,” she said.

The initiative also benefited from the insights of Dr. Jessica Cooke Bailey, an Associate Professor at East Carolina University’s Center for Health Disparities. Dr. Cooke Bailey attended the event to further explore the higher incidence of glaucoma in individuals of African descent, adding depth to the initiative’s mission and goals.

Eye Q Optical’s CEO and Lead Optometrist, Dr. Aron Wohl, expressed the company’s dedication to eye health. “At Eye Q Optical, we understand the critical value of thorough eye exams, particularly for detecting conditions like glaucoma early. We are honored to partner with KPH on this initiative, providing equipment and expertise to support early diagnosis and treatment,” he said.

Through the ongoing support of Eye Q Optical, the glaucoma screening program aims to build a lasting culture of awareness and proactive care within Jamaica’s healthcare community. This initiative not only benefits healthcare providers but also helps to preserve vision for countless individuals, strengthening the overall commitment to ocular health across the nation.

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