Antigua and Barbuda has been designated the Caribbean’s first “Blind-Free Zone,” an initiative aimed at eliminating preventable blindness through comprehensive screening and early treatment for residents.
Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph made the announcement on Monday during the reopening of the Cobbs Cross Clinic, describing the project as a groundbreaking collaboration led by Ambassador Aubrey Webson and supported by the Ministry of Health.
“Ambassador Webson has been able to secure something unique for Antigua and Barbuda,” Joseph said. “From the village of Jennings on Cook’s Hill all the way south, including Cobbs Cross, every resident in that zone will have the opportunity to be screened for their eyesight.”
The initiative, which is part of the government’s broader vision to expand community health services, will ensure that residents within the designated zone receive free eye screening, diagnosis, and follow-up care. According to the minister, the effort reflects a proactive approach to reducing blindness caused by untreated conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.
Joseph said the Ministry of Health will provide the infrastructure to support the program through local clinics, ensuring access to specialized care closer to home. “We will put the infrastructure in place so that every resident has the opportunity to protect their vision,” he said.
The “Blind-Free Zone” initiative complements the government’s ongoing investment in primary healthcare, including rebuilding or repairing 17 of the country’s 23 community clinics and expanding diagnostic services outside the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre.
“This is a marvelous achievement for Antigua and Barbuda,” Joseph said. “It shows how innovation, partnership, and vision can transform public health in our region.”
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