By Belize Live News Staff: Hundreds of Belize City residents are receiving free prescription glasses this week, thanks to a team of optical technicians from Christ United Methodist Church in the United States. The team has been visiting Belize for decades, offering this critical service at the Wesley Church compound.
“This is a free clinic. We collect all of our glasses, which you see right here. They’re all donated, and they’re all prescription glasses,” explained Janet Bilhartz, a member of Christ United Methodist Church. “We assess everyone who comes in, providing them with the prescription they need, and then we match them with the appropriate glasses.”
The service, which includes fitting each person with prescription glasses, also offers sunglasses for added protection. For individuals with severe vision issues, including cataracts or glaucoma, the team provides referrals to local doctors in Belize for further treatment.
Bilhartz noted that the team has been seeing about 200 people a day and expects to serve between 600 and 800 people by the end of the clinic on Thursday. “We have some names of doctors here in Belize City that can see these patients as well,” she added, emphasizing the comprehensive care the team offers.
Brenda Armstrong, a member of Wesley Methodist Church in Belize City, highlighted the long-standing relationship between the two churches that led to this ongoing outreach. “The connection began when our pastor at Wesley was assigned to Epworth Methodist Church in the U.S.,” Armstrong said. “Now, we continue that mission together, providing critical care to our community.”
The team of 25 volunteers from Christ United Methodist Church has traveled to several Central American countries, offering free vision care to those in need. Their efforts continue to make a significant impact in Belize, improving the quality of life for hundreds of residents through the gift of sight.
