The service officially begins today, October 1, under the Prime Ministerial Vision Initiative, following an agreement between the Government of Saint Lucia and US-based non-profit organisation Restoring Vision.

The programme targets presbyopia, the gradual loss of near vision that commonly develops after age 40 and can make activities such as reading, sewing or using a mobile phone more difficult.

The Ministry of Health says uncorrected presbyopia can affect productivity, independence and quality of life but can often be corrected using reading glasses.

Under the initiative, presbyopia screening and the distribution of reading glasses are being incorporated into routine Primary Health Care services and will be provided at no cost to the public.

Adults aged 40 and over experiencing difficulty with near vision are among the main beneficiaries. People attending chronic disease clinics, older adults visiting health facilities and individuals referred by healthcare providers can also access the programme.

Screening will be offered in all health regions through selected Primary Health Care facilities, with each participating facility expected to designate one clinic day per week for screening and distribution.

Services can also be provided through appointments, walk-ins and outreach programmes targeting workplaces, community groups, elderly homes and other institutions.

Persons interested in accessing the programme are being advised to contact their nearest wellness facility and monitor the Ministry of Health's social-media platforms for the schedule.

Government says patients requiring more comprehensive eye care will be referred for further assessment, while the programme is intended to complement rather than replace existing private ophthalmology services.

The official launch of the Restoring Vision Project is expected later in October.