Minister of Health, John Junor cuts the ribbon to officially open Optical Elements in the Village Plaza, Kingston. Joining him is Dr. Peta-Gay McDonald, the company's chief executive officer. - Dennis CokeMINISTER OF Health, John Junor and optometrist Dr. Peta-Gay McDonald, chief executive officer at Optical Elements, cut the ribbon to declare officially open her new offices at Village Plaza on Constant Spring Road, Kingston. Dr. McDonald gave birth to a baby boy, Nasib Sabiki on April 5, but was up and about seeing to the details of the function. The baby was also there.
Saint models, clad in black, strutted around the audience sporting samples of designer eyewear from the lines to be carried by Optical Elements. There were two girls who modelled trendy eyewear.
Minister Junor, who was the guest speaker, said there was a great demand for secondary and tertiary eye care. "Public hospitals are seeing over 500 patients each week and last year alone over 5,000 eye surgeries were performed in public hospitals," he added.
Mr. Junor said his Ministry was working on a new legislation governing the duties of optometrists and ophthalmologists, which was last changed in 1926. And Dr. McDonald told The Gleaner that at present the legislation was restrictive, based on her training. For example, the optometrist said she was not allowed to test for glasses, contact lens and eye diseases.
"Currently we just recognise it and refer patients to the ophthalmologists," she explained.
A spread of delicious finger foods and drink was available.
