The Jamaica-Cuba Eye Care Programme

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:

Ministry of Health and Wellness

10-16 Grenada Way, Kingston 5

Tel: 876-633-8172/876-633-7771

Email: info@moh.gov.jm

Website: www.moh.gov.jm

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