The Council of Faresmaathodaa, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, and Sri Lanka Business Council are collaborating to conduct an eye camp in Farosmaathodaa.
The eye camp, which will take place at Faresmaathodaa Health Centre on 15 and 16 January, will offer eye testing, prescription services, as well as free prescription glasses. Additionally, ear screening services and hearing aid support will be provided.
Speaking to PSM News, President of Lanka-Maldives Business Council Sudhesh Mendis said approximately 400 prescription glasses will be distributed free of charge throughout the event.
“We plan to distribute around 400 prescription glasses to the residents of this island. At this camp, we will check all patients, identify their issues, and provide the most appropriate treatment. Not just prescription glasses, we will also provide ear-related treatments and distribute items related to hearing aid devices to those hard of hearing,” he said
The camp will feature four specialist ophthalmologists from Sri Lanka and two technicians. Dr Wickramashi, representing the Sri Lanka Business Council, highlighted that the initiative aims to build long-term capacity at Faresmaathodaa Health Centre.
“We are not doing this as a short-term one-day activity. During this camp, we will train nurses and doctors on the island to carry out these assessments. With their help, we aim to provide these services to those in other islands,” Dr Wickramashi said.
The Member of Parliament for the Faresmaathodaa Constituency Ashraf Rasheed said the eye camp was born out of discussions held last year during Faresmaathodaa Council’s official visit to Sri Lanka.
“This program is being conducted as a CSR initiative following discussions between the Sri Lanka Business Council and the Faresmaathodaa Council, and the exchange of documents during the Council’s visit to Sri Lanka in 2024,” Ashraf said.
The eye camp aims to make eye screening services accessible to as many residents of Faresmaathodaa as possible, he added.