In observance of World Sight Day on October 10th 2024, , the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) hosted groups of secondary school students for tours of its Ophthalmology Department, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of vision care.
The students had the opportunity to explore the department and engage with some of our leading eye care specialists; with the goal of educating the younger generation on the critical role that regular eye care plays in maintaining long-term health.
With this year’s theme being Children, Love Your Eyes, the initiative emphasized the importance of early eye care practices and adopting healthy habits to prevent future complications.
During the tours, Dr. Trevor Drakes, Head of the Ophthalmology d=Department, addressed students about the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health, particularly on vision care. He explained that many Barbadians missed regular medical treatments during the pandemic, which led to deteriorations in chronic conditions and, ultimately, eye health.
Dr. Drakes also highlighted that increased screen time, a byproduct of remote learning and virtual engagement during the pandemic, contributed to eye strain and fatigue among students. As part of the solution, he recommended adopting the 20/20 rule—taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes to rest the eyes by looking into the distance.
QEH’s Chief Executive Officer, Neil Clark, shared plans to expand ophthalmology services at the hospital, underscoring the institution’s commitment to addressing the growing demand for eye care.
“We are making further investments in the ophthalmology department,” Clark said, noting that upgrades to infrastructure, including additional operating theaters, are currently in progress.
The World Sight Day event provided a valuable learning experience for students and reinforced the hospital’s message that proactive eye care is essential. With efforts such as these, QEH hopes to inspire young people to prioritize their eye health and encourage their families to do the same.