Hundreds regain sight through cataract surgery

A total of 345 Jamaicans are now able to see the world more clearly after receiving life-changing cataract surgeries during a five-day medical mission held from July 6 to 11 at the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH).

The surgeries were performed by a visiting team of ophthalmologists from Duke University in North Carolina, USA, working alongside KPH’s ophthalmology team in a collaboration that combined international expertise with local excellence. Led by Dr Lloyd Williams, team leader of the Duke University Mission, the specialists partnered with KPH’s Eye Clinic under the leadership of Dr Michelle Leighton, consultant ophthalmologist, to provide free cataract surgeries to patients whose vision had been severely affected and who were on the waiting list. Leighton described the mission as a tremendous success.

“Beyond the impressive number of surgeries completed, it has significantly improved the quality of life of our patients. We also benefited tremendously from the exchange of knowledge and supplies between the Duke University team and our ophthalmologists at KPH. We look forward to strengthening this valuable partnership in the future,” she said.

Dr Trevor Bygrave, senior medical officer at KPH, thanked the many partners and volunteers who contributed to the initiative.

“We sincerely thank Zion Care International, the Jamaica Medical Foundation, Duke University, our KPH team, Mr Courtney Cephas, the National Healthcare Enhancement Foundation, Ministry of Health & Wellness and Mr Dwayne Francis, Acting CEO, KPH. Together, we have restored sight, renewed hope, and transformed the lives of hundreds of Jamaicans through partnership and compassionate care,” he stated.

The initiative was spearheaded by Zion Care International, a New York-based charity led by Jamaica-born Bishop Craig Brown, in collaboration with its Diaspora partner, the Jamaica Medical Foundation, the outreach arm of Jamaica’s insurance industry, which provided coordination support for the mission.

The mission highlights the impact of international collaboration and community partnerships in improving healthcare outcomes. KPH, Jamaica’s premier public healthcare institution, is celebrating 250 years of service this year, marking two and a half centuries of excellence in patient care, medical education, and service to the nation.