The final batch of patients who sought eye care in Cuba returned to Guyana last week as the Guyana/Cuba ‘Mission Miracle’ programme ended.

According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release the 79th batch of 50 patients spent three weeks receiving care on the island.

GINA said persons from across the country were treated for retinitis pigmentosa, cataract and ptygerium.

The programme started in 2006 following an agreement by the Guyanese and Cuban presidents.

In interviews, GINA said, several patients expressed their gratitude for the programme.

Lynette Seyad of Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara who underwent surgery for ptygerium said that the accommodation and service she received in Cuba were excellent. “I will like to thank the Governments of Guyana and Cuba for everything that they have done for me,” she said. David Roberts of Kwakwani said he underwent surgery on both his eyes. He praised the Cubans for their hospitality. “I am seeing, writing, I never used to see anything at all and now I can see,” he said.

The last batch of patients was selected based on screenings done at the Leonora, Suddie, Diamond and Mahaicony diagnostic and treatment centres and the Linden, New Amsterdam and Georgetown hospitals.