Kids Insight - St. Lucia
Kids Insight, a joint project of the Saint Lucia Blind Welfare Association (SLBWA), the Lions Clubs of St. Lucia, and West Virginia Eye Institute addresses the vision needs of children in St. Lucia with blinding eye conditions. Kids Insight offers a comprehensive approach to pediatric eye problems, including surgical, medical, educational, and rehabilitation needs. Every year since 2003, a committed team from West Virginia, USA has volunteered their time and expertise to help our children. The work completed during their visit is the result of year-long planning and organization from St. Lucia and West Virginia Eye Institute.
Team Members
- Becky Coakley, CVRP Coordinator and Low Vision Education Specialist
- Dr. Charles Moore, Cataract Surgeon
- Dr. John Nguyen, Ocular-Plastic Surgeon
- Lisa Dudley, Refraction Technician
- Denise Godin, Coordinator St. Lucia, SLBWA
- Kevin White, Coordinator St. Lucia
- Wayne Monrose, Coordinator, St. Lucia, Gros Islet Lions Club
Partners
- Kids In Community Nursing Service
- Lions Clubs of St. Lucia
- Lions international
- West Virginia Lions
- Ministry of Education
- Ministry of Health
- Piton Foundation
- SLBWA
- St.Lucia Customs and Excise
- St. Lucia Medical Dental Council
- St. Jude Hospital
- Victoria Hospital
The success of the Kids Insight Project is largely due to the commitment of all its partners.
West Virginia team members have continued to humbly commit their time and expertise to fulfill the vision service needs of St. Lucian children with blinding eye conditions. Each member gives up their time and income to work long, taxing days to ensure no child is left behind. They not only change the vision, but they change the future for so many of our children. There are no words to express our gratitude for all that they do.
SLBWA works throughout the year to sensitize, assess, refer, and coordinate the on-ground project, and follow-up with patients.. The Lions Clubs of St. Lucia commit their support in fund-raising and team visit support. Lions International has been invaluable in supporting Kids Insight over the years. The strong network with the Ministry of Health, St. Lucia Medical Dental Council, St. Jude Hospital, Victoria Hospital and the Community Nursing Service has ensured support for clinic visits, surgical team support, and sensitization regarding early detection and referral. Customs and immigration have facilitated the entry of the team at each visit.
Kids Insight needs the support of all stake-holders. Together we are helping St. Lucia to achieve the goal of Vision 2020 “Elimination of Avoidable Blindness” for our children.
