Government Launches Prime Minister’s Vision Initiative to Provide Free Reading Glasses
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has launched a new national eye care programme aimed at improving vision and quality of life for thousands of residents aged 40 and older.
The Prime Minister’s Vision Initiative, a collaboration between the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs and international nonprofit RestoringVision, officially begins on Friday, July 31, offering free vision screenings and reading glasses at community clinics across the country.
The programme is scheduled to run through December 15, 2026, with clinics operating Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The first phase of the initiative will be hosted at Villa Polyclinic from July 31 to August 14, before moving to Gray’s Farm Clinic from August 17 to August 28. Additional clinic locations are expected to be announced as the programme expands.
Health officials said the initiative is designed to help people experiencing age-related changes in their vision by providing free reading glasses following a vision screening. The programme is open to individuals 40 years of age and older.
Participants are reminded to bring a valid national photo identification when attending a screening.
The Ministry said the initiative reflects the government’s continued commitment to expanding access to essential healthcare services and improving the wellbeing of communities across Antigua and Barbuda.
The programme is being promoted under the slogan, “Clear Vision. Better Lives. Stronger Communities. Together, We Can See the Future,” underscoring the broader goal of ensuring more people have access to basic vision care regardless of their financial circumstances.
Swore something like this happened before, like twice now?
I mean, good enough to help people get medical care as needed, so, no complaints tbh
Every time this free eye screening comes around, the same set of people coming to get screen and those who really in need of the screening and reading glasses, never get the chance to see the doctors because of so many people.it is a good thing but people who are not in a position to wait long because of medical reasons, have to leave because there is no way they will get through. Once again this is a good move to better eye health but only the strong in body always getting through
Good opportunity to renew my glasses