| Ishan Ibrahim |
THE launch of the Brunei Special Needs Eye Care Service (BRU-SPECS) at the Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam in Kampong Bengkurong yesterday is a significant milestone in the history of the centre since it was opened in 2000.
The launch was officiated by the guest of honour Deputy Permanent Secretary (Professional) at the Ministry of Health (MoH) Dr Haji Zulaidi bin Haji Abdul Latif.
Senior Trustee of Pusat Ehsan Dato Paduka Haji Mohammad Alimin bin Haji Abdul Wahab, senior officers from Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital and non-governmental organisati-ons (NGOs) were also present.
In his address, Dr Haji Zulaidi emphasised the importance in the establishment of the eye care centre that caters for the special needs community.
In her welcoming address, Head of BRU-SPECS Dr Hajah Helena binti Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Jaya Dato Paduka Haji Hurairah outlined the basic objectives of the BRU-SPECS.
BRU-SPECS aims to provide a comprehensive specialised eye care service for the special needs population and provide a continuum of eye care to aid in the optimisation of their quality of life.
The clinic will invite all special needs children and youth from all NGOs under the umbrella organisation, the Council for the Welfare of Persons with Different Abilities (MKOKU) for vision screening by the ophthalmology Depart-ment staff from the Eye Centre at RIPAS Hospital.
Treatable cases will be referred to the relevant sub-speciality services at the Eye Centre for further assessment.
The guest of honour also toured a mini exhibition and the facilities of Pusat Ehsan.