Pacific Eye Institute estimates 56,000 adults in Fiji have diabetes

Pacific Eye Institute estimates 56,000 adults in Fiji have diabetes

By Anamika Singh
13/10/2017
Free eye care services at the Tavua hospital [Photo: Pacific Eye Institute/Facebook]

The Pacific Eye Institute has revealed that with the prevalence of diabetes standing at 15.6%, there are estimates that 56,000 adults in Fiji have diabetes.

The Pacific Eye Institute has celebrated World Sight Day at Tavua Hospital by providing free eye care services to the people of Tavua.

Director of the institute Dr. Biu Sikivou says the people of Tavua received free eye screening and eye surgery as well as awareness on the complications diabetes can create on a person’s sight.

The Pacific Eye Institute has also revealed that the prevalence of blindness in Fiji is 2.6% and that blindness due to diabetes is usually irreversible.

Data compiled by Dr. Sikivou revealed that 3 types of eye diseases make up 80% of vision impairment and blindness in Fiji which are cataract, uncorrected refractive error and diabetic retinopathy.

Dr. Sikivou says blindness or vision impairment from these eye conditions is either preventable or treatable.

She says blindness due to diabetes is preventable through early detection and treatment which is why all patients of diabetes should have annual eye examinations.

World Sight Day is a global event that focuses on bringing attention on blindness and vision impairment and this year’s theme was ‘Make Vision Count’.

FEATURE NEWS
Fiji 7s Olympic silver medalist Josaia Raisuqe dies in tragic accident in France
Fiji 7s Olympic silver medalist and Top 14 France base Castres winger Josaia Raisuqe has sadly lost his life while he was on his way for training this...
6 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Urgent need to preserve Girmit history through curriculum, museums and digital records – Dr Ganesh Chand
Unfortunately, so far nothing has been done to preserve the memories of the Girmitiyas and there is a need to introduce it in the school curriculum, ...
11 hours ago

Bangladeshi workers in Koronivia living in very bad conditions - Naupoto
Immigration Minister, Viliame Naupoto says they are in the process of forming a team to include the Immigration Department, the Ministry of ...
11 hours ago

FICAC executes search warrant at Fiji Sports Council premises
FICAC executed a search warrant at the Fiji Sports Council Headquarters earlier today. fijivillage News has asked FICAC for further details on why ...
11 hours ago

Arizona man shot to death in road rage 'returns' to address his killer
Chris Pelkey died in a road rage shooting in Arizona three years ago but with the help of artificial intelligence, he returned earlier this month at ...
12 hours ago

Teachers are nation builders: University of Fiji lecturer inspires at Fiji Teachers Union meeting
A well-supported teacher is empowered to put in more effort and inspire more people, and a child who is given proper attention and support in the ...
13 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Tragedy at PRB Flats: Couple found dead in suspected murder-suicide in April
A couple were found dead at the new Lagilagi Public Rental Board Flats today and it is alleged at this stage that it was a murder suicide case on ...
4 days ago

Tevita Ikanivere on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
The show focuses on Ikanivere’s journey, his family, career and how far the Drua has ...
17 days ago

Daniel Fatiaki and Professor Narsey on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Chair of the Electoral Reform Commission and former Chief Justice, Daniel Fatiaki and Electoral Reform Commissioner and economist, Professor Wadan ...
17 days ago

TOP