The Tribune

By FELICITY DARVILLE

The Bahamas Alliance for the Blind and Visually Impaired (BABVI) is currently observing Blindness Awareness Month under the theme: "Make Provisions to Preserve Your Vision". BABVI's month of activities started on September 30 and will continue until October 28.

This year, BABVI wants to stress to the general public the need for regular eye examinations and sight screenings as a part of preventative care. Ophthalmic nurses from the Ministry of Health are partnering with the Alliance for blindness awareness month and their aim is to focus on "preventable blindness" that comes about through non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

On Thursday, October 11, which is World Sight Day, the nurses will have displays set up at the Mall at Marathon along with BABVI members. The Public Hospital Authority's coordinator for the Ophthalmic Nursing Diploma programme, along with eye nurse Serkeitha Meadows, will be explaining what can be done to prevent blindness while providing information on care of the eyes, medical procedures, and eye issues such as glaucoma. There will also be eye screenings and presentations on blindness awareness by BABVI members at this event.

The white cane of the visually impaired is to be respected as a symbol of independence and a tool for safe travelling in the community, said BABVI president Desmond Brown. On Monday, October 15, White Cane Safety Day, the alliance will host a demonstration on the cane in Parliament Square, and then the group will show how they can walk independently all the way to Government House. BABVI members will pay an official visit to Parliamentarians at the House of Assembly on October 10 and on October 12. The group will specifically address the Ministers of Health, Education and Social Services and Community Development.

The Kiwanis Club of Over-the-Hill and the Bahamas Power Rangers will treat BABVI members to a fun day of hiking and fishing on October 20. Throughout the month, Alliance members will visit various schools, church youth groups and civic organisations. On Saturday, October 27, BABVI will host a variety show and family fun night in Rawson and Parliament Squares. The month of activities, organised by Kendrick Rolle, will end on October 28 with a luncheon and awards ceremony, along with the launch of a scholarship fund and travel club.