Posted: November 28th, 2017
Half of PNG Workers Tested Have Undiagnosed Vision Condition
Almost half of PNG workers tested under a new charitable initiative had a previously undiagnosed vision condition - according to new figures. The free healthcare programme funded by Star Mountain Plaza Limited in Port Moresby found that 46 percent of employees had substandard vision.
The vision tests, run by optometrists at the Pacific International hospital as part of an onsite screening programme examined 136 workers.
Almost half of those screened presented with eye conditions, with 46% of employees needing glasses, and a smaller number were referred to an opthamologist for more specialised treatment.
Augustine Mano from Star Mountain Plaza said the feedback from workers who had been part of the screening was encouraging.
“We developed this preventative healthcare programme to ensure that our employees had access to the best screening and treatment available.
“Many of our colleagues had a condition they were completely unaware of and the diagnosis has giving us the opportunity to restore their full vision.
“Each worker identified with poor eyesight has now been provided with free prescription lenses and safety glasses to enhance both their vision and quality of life,” he says.
A second stage of the programme will see nominated family members of the employees screened by optometrists.
“We have also made the free screening available to the families of our employees as we know the chance to receive free treatment for a vision condition will make a real difference in their lives,” says Mr Mano.
Appeared in:
Papua New Guinea Today