BACKGROUND
The Jamaica-Cuba Eye Care Programme has resumed, boosting optical care
services to Jamaicans. This partnership aims to augment public health
offerings by collaborating with Cuban specialists and ophthalmology
departments offering equipment maintenance support and sharing
knowledge with local clinicians.
Nine (9) Cuban eye care professionals, currently stationed at the Kingston
Public Hospital (KPH), are screening and treating patients for various eye
conditions, including cataracts, pterygiums, and diabetic retinopathy. Other
Cuban professionals are scheduled to arrive in November 2023.
Facility Upgrade
The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) is overseeing the renovation
of the St. Joseph’s Hospital which will be used to house the eye care
programme. The refurbishment is scheduled for completion in November
2023. The upgraded clinical space will accommodate pre- and post-
operative care.
Registration Process
The programme is currently targeting registered patients to determine
their need for surgery, and so far, well over 6,000 clients have been
assessed. Individuals must be registered to access this programme.
Unregistered patients are required to:
Get a referral from a public or private doctor, either an
ophthalmologist or general doctor.
Take the referral along with their national identification to the eye
clinic at either KPH or St. Joseph’s Hospital.
Patients will be screened and instructions given based on their results.
For additional information, contact:
St. Joseph’s Hospital at 22 Deanery Road, Kingston
Tel: Phone: (876) 928-4958
Cuban Eye Care telephone #: (876) 218-2205 or (876) 822-2755
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