The Foundation for International Self-Help Development (FISH) Medical Clinic officially revealed its new laser machine at an unveiling ceremony at its headquarters in Papine, St Andrew, yesterday (October 13).

The laser machine was presented to the institution by the Lions Club of Mona, which came on board after the FISH clinic made an appeal four years ago for assistance in obtaining the equipment.  

“We faced many challenges, including COVID-19. However, here we are today. Today we unveil the machine to the public and cement the collaboration of the FISH clinic and the Lions movement, and we pray that this machine will be of great benefit to the people of Jamaica,” shared Lion Dr Blossom Anglin Brown.

Bette Grant Otunla, director of the FISH Medical Clinic, in her remarks, thanked the National Health Fund (NHF) and the Lions for partnering with the institution to acquire the machine.

“We are more than happy to acknowledge and express our gratitude for the part played by them both in making our vision a reality. Thanks are also due to the Food for the Poor (Miami and Jamaica) who provided shipping and custom clearance services,” Grant Otunla noted.

She told Our Today that acquiring a machine of this nature will help in caring for many diabetic Jamaicans.

“It means a great deal to us, because we have a lot of diabetic patients, and the diabetic patients suffer from something called diabetic retinopathy which can lead to blindness. But, when the laser machine is used on them it can manage the illness. It won’t cure it, but it can stop its progression and that is very important because we don’t want more people to get blind.”

She also added that the machine was acquired in August 2021 at a cost of J$44 million and was brought into service later in the year.

“Now, happily, our special needs diabetic patients are being treated here, avoiding the high private sector costs or long public sector waiting periods associated with the referrals of the past,” the director stated.

The 37-year-old institution, which began primarily as an eye care facility, now covers the full gamut of primary health care, including general medical, dental and pharmaceutical services.

“We have benefited tremendously from the goodwill of volunteers, employees, donors and clients. We are pleased to welcome the Lions and NHF on board as we fix our vision on expanding the accommodation for the eye clinic, which remains our flagship service and which has substantially outgrown its operational space,” she announced.

The hand over of the laser machine coincided with World Sight Day, which was celebrated on October 13.

World Sight Day is celebrated annually in an effort to focus the world’s attention on the importance of eye care in ensuring eye care is accessible, inclusive and affordable to everyone.