Ophthalmology centre treats 21,000

-foreigners also seeking services

Minister in the Ministry of Health Dr Bheri Ramsaran met staff and at the National Ophthalmology Hospital on Wednesday last when he checked on its operations.

According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release since its opening, 21,074 people have been treated: 8,932 were seen for refractive error and 1,536 surgeries were done: 316 for cataract, 1,119 for pterygium, 52 laser surgeries and 49 minor surgeries. Eye screenings are done at the four diagnostic and treatment centres at Suddie, Region Two; Leonora, Region Three; Diamond, Region Four and Mahaicony, Region Five which were established also as part of the health agreement with Cuba. Patients are first treated at these centres then referred to the ophthalmology hospital if surgery is required.

Director of the Ophthalmology Hospital Dr Gustavo Vazquez Sarduy said in addition to local patients, three persons from Suriname and one from Trinidad and Tobago also sought treatment at the hospital. According to Ramsaran, Guyanese from overseas are also returning home to access the services of the hospital and plans are also in train to offer services in the Caribbean and in other nearby countries.

Dr Sarduy said most of the consultations are for cataract, glaucoma and retina problems and though the hospital is equipped to conduct the surgeries a specialist is needed to conduct surgeries using the laser equipment, especially for major surgeries. Sarduy also pointed out the need for networking with other eye care agencies within Guyana as this would create awareness of the services offered by particular agencies.

GINA said Sarduy and his team are planning to screen persons in regions one, two, seven, eight and nine. Eye Care Guyana, a non profit organisation provides spectacles for patients for a small fee. There are currently 17 qualified Cuban doctors, nurses and technical staff attached to the hospital. The hospital is expected to conduct 10,000 eye surgeries per year.