EXUMA, Bahamas, August 16, 2023—Nearly 2,000 Exuma locals attended the first staging of the Great Shape! Inc. iCare clinic that was held August 7-11 at the Sandals Emerald Bay Ballroom. The team of eye care professionals and volunteers from the USA and Canada with the support of Sandals Foundation provided screening and a suite of medical and eye care services including free exams and pathology screenings, health screenings for blood pressure and blood sugar, and selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) for the treatment of glaucoma to citizens, young and old alike. 

The outreach which was approved by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, received support from a wide range of partners, including the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Bahamas Customs and Immigration Departments, the Ministry of Education, Exuma Local Government Board, Exuma Christian Council and Blaze 98.3 FM.

Dr. Steven Stern, Director and Founder of Great Shape!’s iCare programme, stated that there is always a need to provide care to those who have eye problems but cannot afford to buy glasses for themselves.

"We saw a lot of need during this clinic. There were many people who needed glasses and many had glaucoma and were going blind every day and had no idea," Stern explained.

He continued, "I am pleased that we were able to make these diagnoses so that people were aware that they didn't just need glasses and we were able to provide laser treatment (selective laser trabeculoplasty) and medication for them for several months, which will help tremendously in restoring their sight."

Almost thirty residents received glaucoma laser treatment, over 600 prescribed eyeglasses will be custom made in the United States and hand delivered in November—a record high for the US-based non-profit that has been in operation for over ten years. One thousand eighteen hundred (1,800) reading glasses and over 2000 sunglasses were also distributed.

Many residents expressed gratitude for the service received during the week-long clinic.

One parent, Tomeika Smith explained, "My little girl wears glasses, and after paying for her to get new glasses the first two times, my husband and I couldn't afford to pay that money another time." 

Smith went on to say, "Through this clinic, she received a free exam and was able to get new glasses, and she is now doing well."

After having prolong vision problems, Theo Phyllis Grey, a Boat Captain, was able to acquire a diagnosis and treatment.

"It feels good to have some answers," he exclaimed.

“I've been suffering with vision problems and would have visited other doctors in Nassau. However, the treatment I had received was ineffective,” Grey explained.

“At this clinic, they really took the time to do the necessary tests and made a diagnosis that can be corrected. I’ve since received treatment and a prescription for continued care. I am extremely pleased with the overall service," he added.

Since its inception in 2009, iCARE has conducted over 24 weeks of clinics and over five weeks of cataract surgery—providing critical services and supplies worth over US$13 million to thousands of individuals in Jamaica, Antigua, Turks and Caicos, St. Lucia, and now Exuma in The Bahamas.

The Sandals Foundation will continue to support the health of Caribbean communities by investing in the services that create healthy families.