Restoring sight for the Lospalos community
24 May 2019
A collaborative effort between the Friends of Lospalos Community Committee, the Timor Leste Embassy and Specsavers is underway to assess the optometric needs and care of the Lospalos community.
The aim of the project is to create a vision program that can develop year-on-year into something sustainable for the local community of Lospalos.
As part of this initiative, a team led by Senior Optometrist Specsavers Rosebud Colleen Hammond (BVisSci MOptom), will head to Timor Leste to measure and fit spectacles, undertake eye examinations, work closely with local hospitals and medical professionals, as well as educate the locals about eye care and health.
On 17 May 2019, Council representative of the Friends of Lospalos Community Committee Councillor Hugh Fraser and the Timor Leste Embassy First Secretary Samuel Soares, visited Rosebud Specsavers to view the repair and fitting facilities before the team depart on a volunteer trip to Lospalos for the much-needed initiative.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Councillor David Gill said “this project is a game-changer for the Lospalos community, providing them with vital eye care and education from leading experts”.
Councillor Hugh Fraser said it is a privilege to be involved in this essential project and it was fantastic learning more from Ms Hammond about the work she will be undertaking in Lospalos.
“Ocular health is important to consider in areas like Timor Leste where pterygia and cataracts are more common due to UV exposure.
“This well-rounded project will help cater for the many optometric needs of the Lospalos community and in turn educate them about the value of sight,” concluded Cr Fraser.
The volunteer team will pay their own expenses, with support from the broader Mornington Peninsula community. So far, the project has raised $1,500 of the $6,000 goal.
The team are planning to depart Melbourne on 22 July 2019 for 10 days traveling to Dili and on to Lospalos.
PHOTO CAPITON:
Photo 1 (L-R): Verona Rawson, John Muncaster and Colleen Hammond of Rosebud Specsavers with Tim Rodgers, Cr Hugh Fraser, Samuel Soares First Secretary Timor Leste Embassy and Friends of Lospalos Vice Chairman Graham Pittock at Rosebud Specsavers last week looking at Specs for Lospalos
