800 ophthalmology screening sessions have been conducted in residential homes for the elderly and this service is now being extended to Community Active Ageing Centres across Malta and Gozo. The Government said that this initiative is an important step for more elderly people in the community to have access to preventive and professional care related to eye health. The first centre to offer this service is the Siggiewi Active Ageing Centre, where around 55 members are currently participating in these tests. These include eye pressure checks, vision tests, as well as non-invasive retinal photography, simple but crucial tests for the early identification of conditions such as glaucoma and retinal changes. Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing, Malcolm Paul Agius Galea, said, “following the positive results we achieved in nursing homes, today we are bringing this service to the community – precisely where the majority of the elderly live. This is not only bringing an essential medical service closer to the individual, but also helping to prevent vision loss that could be permanent. All this in a preventive manner, in a familiar and comfortable environment.” He went on to say that the support of specialised ophthalmology nurses and doctors, is ensuring that the service is provided with maximum attention to the well-being of the elderly, while avoiding the hassle and inconvenience of transport. Meanwhile, Active Ageing and Community Care will continue to extend this service to other centres across Malta and Gozo, “as part of the vision that ageing remains active, healthy and sustainable in the community,” said the Parliamentary Secretary. For more information, both on this service and on other services offered by Active Ageing and Community Care, please contact the Senior Service Centre on 22788900.