Jamaica-Cuba Eye Care Program resumes services

Jamaica is once again on the receiving end of valuable eye care services, courtesy of the renewed Jamaica-Cuba Eye Care Program.

At a recent press briefing, Dr. Christopher Tufton, the Minister of Health and Wellness, shared that the program is back on track.

Cuban specialists touch down in Kingston

The first wave of specialists is already making an impact.

“Nine members of the Cuban Eye Care team arrived on the island in July and are presently working out of the Kingston Public Hospital. The rest of the 18-member team is on standby to come to Jamaica in November,” Minister Tufton said.

Assessment and the rising need

After resuming the program, officials have reached out to previous clients.

He shared that clients on the registers of the Jamaica-Cuba Eye Care program are now being contacted to determine if the need for surgery still exists.

“Some 6,458 clients have been assessed thus far and 5,863 have been deemed to be still in need of surgery,” the Minister added.

More Jamaica and Cuba's eye-care collaboration

Addressing the surgical backlog

With the backlog of surgeries at the Kingston Public Hospital, the Cuban eye care team is diligently working on assessments.

Focus remains on patients waiting for Cataract surgeries, Pterygiums, and treatments for Diabetic Retinopathy.

Dr. Tufton further shared that 528 patients have been assessed and 155 are bracing for Cataract Surgery.

Meanwhile, 132 have been evaluated for Diabetic Retinopathy, with 180 already receiving laser treatments; and 10 pterygium surgeries have been successfully performed.

Relocation and upgradation: St Joseph’s Hospital

The Ministry is not just focused on immediate care but also foresees a brighter, well-structured future for the program. The Eyecare program’s operations are in the process of relocating to St Joseph’s Hospital.

The refurbishment plans are slated to conclude by November 1, 2023. The new space promises to cater to pre-and post-operative care needs.

Officials from the health ministry have indicated the readiness of the operating theatre space by the month’s end.

Bridging islands: Enhanced public health cooperation

The collaboration encompasses Cuban Specialists working hand in hand with Ophthalmology Departments at Jamaica’s major hospitals.

This union extends to equipment maintenance support and invaluable knowledge sharing with local clinicians, according to a release from the health ministry.