IGMH MCGH Opticals processes 700 pairs of glasses in 10 days

The state-owned eyewear outlet at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) has processed nearly 700 pairs of glasses since opening on 28 July, hospital said.

The shop, part of the Male’ City Group of Hospitals, has averaged around 70 orders a day.

CEO Ibrahim Haleem told Mihaaru News that 692 pairs have been sold in the first 10 days, with 411 already handed over to customers. The remaining will be distributed as customers come to collect them, he said.

Demand has quickly built up, with a current waitlist of 1,659 people.

However, Haleem said that not everyone on the list will necessarily need glasses.

“After eye pressure checks and screening, it will be decided whether they require glasses,” he said.

The hospital noted that some entries on the waitlist appear to have been made by individuals registering multiple names over the phone, contributing to the length of the queue.

To help meet demand, another eyewear outlet is scheduled to open later this month at Hulhumale' Hospital.

While IGMH provides treatment for eye conditions, it has not previously offered vision correction services such as glasses, leaving patients dependent on private providers, who charge higher prices.

The government opened the new eyewear shop to address this gap and offer a more affordable alternative to the private market.

Patients can register for services by calling the shop on 333 5150.