The Pacific Eye Institute Diabetic Clinic has from January to July this year consulted, reviewed and treated 5,471 people for eye cases.
This was revealed by the Minister for Health Rosy Akbar while launching the Eye Care Nurses Scope in collaboration with the World Sight Day at the Novotel in Lami.
Akbar also highlighted that last year 8,761 people were consulted, reviewed and treated for their eye sight at the clinic.
The Minister of Health stated that the major cause of blindness in Fiji are refractive error, cataract and diabetic retinopathy.
Akbar says that refractive error and cataract are treatable and while blindness from diabetic retinopathy is irreversible it can be avoided with early detection and early intervention.
Akbar says that efforts from health care sector and stakeholders to halt and reverse this problem will be to no avail if people do not take ownership of their own health and proactively address the eye problems.
