Jenny Daniel, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, explained the history and recent developments of the clinic.

“Post COVID-19 pandemic, the former Cuban Eye Clinic, as it was called, was reestablished at the Victoria Hospital in December 2022 and surgeries resumed in January 2023. However, due to infrastructural and other challenges, the ministry conducted a thorough assessment of the facility, which resulted in the temporary suspension of surgical procedures in March 2023 while other eye care services continued. The ministry then put together a phased implementation of a comprehensive program to strengthen eye services in keeping with the overall agenda of health reform and strengthening,” Daniel said.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sharon Belmar-George detailed the upgrades that have enabled the clinic to resume operations safely and efficiently.

“Infrastructural upgrades include the identification of an alternative space, redesigning and retrofitting of the space, installation of additional lighting, air conditioning units, and upgrading of biomedical equipment. The clinic is now equipped with highly sophisticated, state-of-the-art eye equipment to include ophthalmic surgical system for cataract and retina eye surgery, a FACO emulsifier, anesthesia machine, eye surgical microscope and laser machines, sterilizing equipment, and patient monitors, among others,” she explained.

These improvements position the National Eye Clinic to deliver advanced surgical care to Saint Lucians, supporting the ministry’s goal of strengthening health services and ensuring patients have access to world-class treatment on the island.