Close to 4,000 eye surgeries completed under eyecare programme

Since the resumption of the Jamaica/Cuba Eye Care Programme in August 2023, close to 4,000 eye surgeries have been completed up to October 18 of this year. Thousands of Jamaicans have benefited from Cataract (1,192) and Pterygium surgeries (655); as well as Diabetic Retinopathy laser (1,246) and Anterior Segment laser treatments (383).

Speaking at a media briefing and tour of the Programme located on the St Joseph’s Hospital grounds, Minister of Health & Wellness, Dr the Hon Christopher Tufton, MP, lauded the team and thanked Cuba for its support. “I am pleased to report that since the resumption of the programme, we have conducted some 21,822 case consultations which includes preoperative, retina consultation, general consultations and post-operation case reviews. I commend the local team and the people and Government of Cuba for their support of Jamaica’s public health.”

The programme is supported by 22 qualified professionals from Cuba and Jamaica, including six ophthalmologists, two optometrists, six nurses, one biomedical engineer one medical technologist, one pharmacologist, along with a local coordinator and administrative officers. Procedures are currently done from two locations – the St Joseph’s Hospital and the Kingston Public Hospital. Dr Tufton also noted that for persons to benefit from the programme, they must obtain a referral from a healthcare provider and visit the St Joseph’s Hospital location with a national identification for a consultation. The conditions that are currently treated under the programme are Cataract, Pterygium and Diabetic Retinopathy.