During 2025, the Municipality of Río Grande carried out a new edition of its visual health campaign for students without medical coverage. Visual problems were detected in almost 800 cases, who accessed glasses at no cost. The program also made it possible to identify other ophthalmological pathologies and guide more complex treatments.
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More than two thousand children and adolescents were treated in free ophthalmological checkups during 2025 in Río Grande, within the framework of the municipal visual health program that has been implemented for four consecutive years. According to Dr. María Noel Varela, this is a policy aimed at guaranteeing access to specialized care for minors without social work coverage.
“This year, more than 2,000 patients were treated in the different health centers that the municipality has, in this case the Medical Specialties Center, Health Center No. 3 and No. 1,” he said. The evaluations were carried out between the months of May and October, and covered children from 4 years old to adolescents aged 17.
Dr. María Noel Varela explained that the consultations were concentrated between May and October, and included patients between 4 and 17 years old. “They underwent the corresponding ophthalmological check-up and, based on that, it was detected whether or not they required the use of lenses,” he noted. Based on these evaluations, more than 780 prescriptions were issued, whose lenses are being delivered free of charge.
The initiative is aimed mainly at patients without social work. “It is important to always highlight this: the care and glasses are free of charge, and are intended for those who do not have medical coverage,” he said. The equipment used allows detecting refractive defects such as myopia, astigmatism and hyperopia, both for near and distance vision. “Based on what the digital autorefractometer detects, the lenses that each patient needs are provided,” Varela explained.
In addition to refractive diagnosis, the team intervenes in other visual health indicators that may require complementary studies. “Not everything is limited to a lens. If any other alteration is detected, patients are scheduled to perform an eye fundus or other specific studies,” he indicated. In that case, monitoring is carried out by specialized offices with regular check-ups.
The doctor also highlighted the environmental and climatic particularities that affect the visual health of the Fuegian population. “The climate, heating and allergic symptoms have an impact. There are many cases of dry eye and high astigmatism in very young children,” he warned. This situation warrants an interdisciplinary approach. “Sometimes consultation with allergists or dermatologists is required, and topical treatment with drops is indicated,” he added.
Looking ahead to the 2026 cycle, the area hopes to continue with the program. “We are waiting to continue. The municipal health centers have ophthalmological care all year round, so patients can request appointments through 147 or come directly,” said Varela. This permanent care network allows patients to be supported even outside the campaign period.
