FREE GLASSES, FOREIGN HELP, AND THE QUESTION OF LOCAL BUSINESS

The Government of Saint Lucia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with RestoringVision, a United States-based non-profit organisation, to provide vision screening and distribute up to 50,000 donated reading glasses through the public health system.

On the surface, this sounds like a caring initiative. Many Saint Lucians, especially older citizens, struggle with near vision and cannot always afford proper glasses. Better vision can improve reading, work, independence, and quality of life.

But Choiseul on the Move must ask the hard question:

In helping citizens, are we also hurting local optical businesses?

The Pros

• Thousands of Saint Lucians could receive help they may not be able to afford.
• Older persons with age-related near-vision problems may benefit quickly.
• The programme includes training and technical assistance.
• Vision care could reach more communities through health centres and community workers.

The Cons

• Local optical stores may lose customers who would normally buy glasses locally.
• Reduced business can mean reduced income and possible job losses.
• Free reading glasses are not a replacement for full professional eye examinations.
• Local optometrists and optical businesses may be pushed aside instead of being included.

No Fluff. No Bluff.

This is not about being against poor people receiving help. Far from it. Any programme that helps Saint Lucians see better deserves serious consideration.

But leadership must never treat local businesses as an afterthought. If the Government can partner with a foreign organisation, then surely it can also build a structure that includes Saint Lucian optometrists, optical stores, technicians, and small businesses.

We cannot preach “putting Lucians first” while creating programmes that may place local businesses last. Charity must not become a quiet replacement for local enterprise.

The Better Way Forward

Let the free glasses programme happen, but let it happen with local participation. Government should:

• Partner with local optical businesses.
• Use local professionals for screening, fitting, repairs, and follow-up.
• Ensure patients with serious eye conditions are referred properly.
• Create opportunities for Saint Lucian businesses instead of bypassing them.

Our Position

Help the people, yes. But protect local businesses too.

A strong Saint Lucia cannot be built by importing every solution from outside. A strong Saint Lucia must be built by strengthening its own people, its own workers, its own professionals, and its own small businesses.

Is this putting Lucians first — or putting them last?

This is Our Choiseul. Let’s talk. Let’s be heard.