ST. JOHN'S, Antigua and Barbuda — Antigua and Barbuda has launched a major national eye-health programme aimed at expanding access to affordable vision care and reducing preventable sight impairment across the country.

The Prime Ministerial Vision Initiative was officially launched on July 30 through a partnership involving the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, RestoringVision, Cure Blindness Project and VisionSpring.

The first phase is expected to provide approximately 25,000 pairs of reading glasses free of charge to adults aged 40 and older, addressing common age-related difficulties with near vision. A second phase is planned to provide 8,000 prescription eyeglasses for people requiring more specialized correction.

The programme is also strengthening the country's healthcare infrastructure. Partners say the initiative includes two new Primary Eye Care Units and additional trained ophthalmic providers, creating greater capacity for screening, diagnosis and treatment.

Health officials have described the programme as an important step toward making eye care a more accessible part of community healthcare.

The initiative could also have wider social and economic benefits, particularly for older residents who experience difficulties with reading, employment-related tasks and everyday activities because of untreated vision problems.

Antigua and Barbuda is positioning the programme as part of a broader effort to build a stronger, more preventive national healthcare system.

Implementation is continuing through August, with screening and eyeglass distribution already beginning as health authorities and international partners establish the programme across communities.

The development also comes ahead of the first Global Summit for Eye Health, which Antigua and Barbuda is scheduled to co-host later this year with international health partners.