A new round of cataract surgeries and eye procedures is set to take place at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC), thanks to the continued collaboration between the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment and the Trinidad Eye Hospital (TEH).Dr. Ronnie Bhola, CEO and Chief Surgeon of TEH, arrived in Antigua today with his surgical team to carry out the procedures over the coming week.

This mission marks a significant milestone in the partnership, which began in 2019 and has already delivered 976 successful eye surgeries to date. With this visit, the total number of procedures will rise to 1,126.

The team will perform cataract surgeries at SLBMC, along with laser treatments and diabetic eye procedures, expanding the scope of care available to patients.

The SLBMC team has worked diligently to prepare patients and secure additional equipment in anticipation of this visit, and is already preparing for the team’s return in September, when vitrectomy surgeries will also be performed at the facility.

This initiative reflects a renewed national commitment to reducing preventable blindness caused by cataracts and to addressing diabetic eye disease within the population. The surgical team is looking forward to a productive and impactful week of service