18 children who have congenital eye conditions are expected to have eye operations at the Pacific Eye Institute

18 children who have congenital eye conditions are excitingly waiting to have their eye operation at the Pacific Eye Institute this week.

As we mark Eye Surgery Week this week with the theme Little Eyes Matter, CWM ophthalmologist Elenoa Raikabakaba says the eye operation is free for children aged 3 to 16 years old.

She says there have been a total of 8 children that have been operated on since yesterday.

Raikabakaba adds congenital eye conditions in children are developed through genetics and can be associated with down syndrome.

She says it can also be through systemic illnesses or injuries.

Raikabakaba adds children are special to everyone and are special to the country and if the congenital eye problem is corrected now, children will be productive in the future not only for their families but for the country.

She says it has been great team work from the CWM teams, Pacific Eye Institute and Non-Government Organisations, and the Fred Hollows Foundation New Zealand is their main support.