Trinidad and Tobago, 8th October, 2012. The Annual Walk for Sight was put on again this year on Sunday October 7th, by The Volunteers for World Sight Day Right to Sight committee ably led by the chairperson ophthalmologist Dr. Desiree Murray. The theme for this year; "The Integrated Eye Team- working for the elimination of avoidable blindness". The morning began with registration and distribution of T-shirts before one lap around the Queen's Park Savannah led by the Minister of Health, Hon Dr. Fuad Khan. PAHO was represented by Dr. Carlene Radix. This was followed by refreshments and a formal program.

 

According to 2010 estimates that are 40 million blind persons worldwide and 285 million visually impaired.  Approximately 80% of those who are blind are over 50 years of age. Blindness at an older age can mean loss of the ability to do the simple things you once enjoyed like reading a book or talking a walk, as well as a loss of independence as assistance is needed to manage daily affairs. Trinidad and Tobago, like most of the world, the main causes of blindness are cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy all of which are preventable and/or treatable.

Throughout the walk by loud speaker, and reinforced by the formal speeches, there was a call to action to get eyes checked in order to prevent and treat the causes of blindness.