Nearly 3,500 eye surgeries done since resumption of Jamaica/Cuba programme
Published:Wednesday | October 30, 2024 | 3:46 PM
Almost 3,500 surgeries have been completed since the Jamaica/Cuba Eye Care Programme resumed in August 2023, Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton is reporting.
Up to October 18, there were 1,102 cataract surgeries and 655 pterygium surgeries. There have also been diabetic retinopathy laser (1,246) and anterior segment laser treatments (383).
Tufton gave the update at a media briefing and tour of the programme at St Joseph's Hospital in St Andrew.
“I am pleased to report that since the resumption of the programme, we have conducted some 21,822 case consultations, which include 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," he said.
The programme is supported by 22 professionals from Cuba and Jamaica, including six ophthalmologists, two optometrists, six nurses, a bio-medical engineer, a medical technologist, a pharmacologist, and administrative staff.
Procedures are performed at St Joseph's Hospital and Kingston Public Hospital.
Tufton noted that to access the programme, patients need a referral from a healthcare provider and a national ID for consultation at St Joseph's Hospital.
The programme currently treats cataracts, pterygium, and diabetic retinopathy.
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