Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Saint Lucia and the US non-profit RestoringVision with the goal of expanding vision care services across the island.
The agreement, signed on June 18, 2026, will support the Prime Ministerial Vision Initiative by adding presbyopia screening and providing near-vision eyeglasses in Saint Lucia’s public health system. Through this partnership, up to 50,000 donated eyeglasses could be given to Saint Lucians.
The initiative will begin with a 12-month pilot programme in primary healthcare facilities and through community health workers. It aims to make vision screening and corrective eyewear more accessible, so people with age-related vision problems can get the help they need.
Presbyopia is a common condition that makes it difficult to see things up close and usually develops as people age. If left untreated, it can affect productivity, independence, and quality of life.
The signing came after the Cabinet approved the Memorandum of Understanding on June 1, 2026, allowing the Government of Saint Lucia and RestoringVision to work together. With this agreement, Saint Lucia joins other countries that are working with the organisation to improve access to vision care through community-based screening and eyeglass distribution programs.
Pierre welcomed the partnership and described it as a practical investment in the well-being of Saint Lucians. He said better vision can help people become more independent and productive, and improve life for individuals and families.
Under the agreement, RestoringVision will donate and ship eyeglasses to Saint Lucia and provide training and technical support for presbyopia screening. The Government of Saint Lucia will lead the rollout, help add these services to public health platforms, support staff training and manage data collection and reporting.
The partnership also includes a joint plan to monitor and evaluate the programme, measure its impact, and look for ways to improve during the pilot phase.
Officials say this initiative shows a shared commitment to expanding access to vision care with sustainable, community-based solutions and to strengthening Saint Lucia’s public health system for the long term.
The Memorandum of Understanding will be in effect for an initial 12 months.
