Sunday Times 2
Health Ministry receives free eye lenses from HelpAge Sri Lanka
View(s):The Ministry of Health recently received Rs five million worth foldable intra-ocular eye lenses from HelpAge Sri Lanka (HASL) to be distributed countrywide among Government hospitals.
Health Ministry Director General Dr Asela Gunawardana accepted the lenses on behalf of the Health Ministry from HelpAge Sri Lanka Executive Director Samantha Liyanawaduge. The lenses were donated following a request made by Health Ministry Vision 2020 programme, National Coordinator, Consultant Eye Surgeon Dr Champa Banagala.
Dr Asela Gunawardana receiving lenses from HelpAge Executive Director Samantha Liyanawaduge. Consultant Eye Surgeon Dr Mrs Champa Banagala - Vision 2020 programme National Coordinator, Consultant Eye Surgeon Dr M D S Gunathillake, - Focal Point for Cataract, Vision 2020 Programme, and HelpAge Programme Head Chaminda de Silva are also in the picture.
Mr Liyanawaduge said a recent survey revealed that many Sri Lankan elders in need of cataract surgeries were unable to have surgeries done at private hospitals due to the high cost, or at Government hospitals due to the non-availability of lenses.
This prompted HelpAge to provide these lenses to patients through islandwide Government hospitals, so that they could get their surgeries done at the nearest hospital.
HelpAge also conducts about 15-20 free cataract surgeries almost every day at HelpAge Eye Hospital, Wellawatta for people over 55 years.
Dr Gunawardana appreciated the donation and said the lenses will be distributed to hospitals in due course to expand the cataract surgery programme for disadvantaged older people.