Demand for eyeglasses from IGMH rise, 100 issued in 3 days

Government hospital IGMH has stated that their prescription eyeglasses service has issued around 100 eyeglasses within 3 days.

A hospital official stated that the newly opened MCGH Opticals is seeing quite a bit of demand.

80 people went to get glasses done on Monday between the hours of 2pm to 10pm.

The process of making specified glasses begins with the prescription and picking out a frame. 63 people out of the very first that went for their services have received their glasses, said the official.

Tuesday saw 133 people go to MCGH within the hours of 9am to 10pm, with some people receiving their glasses today as well.

Among these people are some who have gone to private hospitals to get their prescription taken.

The official stated that 361 people have gone to MCGH to get their prescription taken within these three days alone.

The official also stated that appointments can be made by calling 3335150.

The first detail that gets checked is if you are eligible under Aasandha for getting a pair of glasses done and if not, an appointment won't be made under your name.

"Even if you got your prescription done elsewhere, we have to follow the guidelines when wanting to make a prescription eyeglass," said the official.

It is stated that one prescription eyeglass can be made once every two years under Aasandha. MVR 1,000 was the previously allocated amount under the guidelines, with the amount being increased this year to MVR 2,000.

MCGH is located just a few steps from the main gate of IGMH, and is run by the hospital as well. Prescription eyeglasses can be made under Aasandha without the cost coming out of your pocket.

While IGMH treats optically related ailments and illnesses, they have had a lack of services related to the creation of prescription eyeglasses, with that field being dominated by private practices. But there has been public concern about high prices charged by such practices.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced in late May that in an attempt to clamp down on unfair practices surrounding the prescription eyeglass business, IGMH set out to open up their own store.

"With the implementation of prescription eyeglasses at the MVR 1,000 and MVR 2,000 range, the opportunity for fickle frames to be given out will decrease. We will begin this project at IGMH. The business of creating prescription eyeglasses will begin at IGMH," said President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu in late May.