More than 300 eyeglasses donated to NRH Regional Eye Centre

By Agnes Menanopo

More than 300 eyeglasses were donated yesterday to the Regional Eye Centre at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) by the Acting Honorary Consul of Solomon Islands to Germany, lawyer Dr. Claudia von Seutter.

The donation was part of her delegation’s visit to Honiara this week to meet with several organisations, including Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele.

Speaking to SIBC News, Dr. Seutter said she understands that Solomon Islands faces significant challenges in accessing eye care services. She said this inspired her to donate the glasses to help patients across the country.

“I know that you have huge challenges with medical eye treatment here in the islands. That is why I started a donation drive back in Germany. We collected more than 300 optical glasses, and I brought all these glasses from Germany to the Solomon Islands,” Dr. Seutter said.

“It is a pleasure for me to donate these glasses, as I think they will be very helpful for people who may not be able to afford to buy glasses.”

Acknowledging the generous donation, Regional Eye Centre ophthalmologist Dr. Carole Poloso said they are very grateful for the support.

“We are very happy that the German Consulate was able to come and donate these glasses for our eye patients here,” she said. “Because they are donated, we will be distributing them free of charge.”

Dr. Poloso said that globally, refractive error is the main cause of vision impairment, and this is also the case in Solomon Islands.

“Therefore, with just a simple pair of glasses for reading or for long-sighted patients, it can make a big difference in their lives,” she said.

She added that once ophthalmologists examine patients’ eyes, they will determine the correct prescription and provide them with the appropriate glasses.

Dr. Poloso also reminded citizens that the Regional Eye Centre provides free services for patients with eye problems.

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