Free ophthalmology tests are to be carried out at Dar Padova, Gozo, for everyone aged between 60 and 80 years old.

This was announced by the Active Ageing Jo Etienne Abela, who said it forms part of the national eye monitoring campaign, with the aim of catching vision problems early.

Minister Abela explained how in collaboration between Active Ageing and Community Care, St. Vincent De Paul and specialists from the Health Ministry, the ophthalmology service will join many others that are being offered at Dar Padova, in Ghajnsielem.

The national screening programme was launched a few months ago in Mata, and over 300 people who made use of this service.

Minister Abela emphasised the importance of doing this examination so that possible vision problems can be caught as early as possible. He added that some of the common problems found include Glaucoma (pressure in the eye), diabetes in the retina, as well as cataracts.

“Through this programme we will be checking the eyes in a systematic way so that we can rule out these situations and deal with eye problems early on,” stated Minister Abela.

Anyone who in the last 18 months has not had an ophthalmologist appointment at a government clinic are eligible for this service and will be notified of an appointment for screening.

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