The Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs in Saint Lucia has announced surgeries have resumed at the National Eye Clinic. This marks a significant milestone in the delivery of daily eye care services in the public health sector, following a temporary suspension of surgical procedures in March 2023.
The recommencement of surgeries began on October 8, 2025. To date, 17 pterygium cases have been successfully performed, and cataract surgeries are scheduled to follow soon.
The Ministry of Health conducted a comprehensive assessment of the former facility due to infrastructural and other challenges, which led to a phased program to strengthen eye services. The resulting upgrades to the new clinic include:
- Infrastructural upgrades: Identification of an alternative space, redesigning and retrofitting the area, and installation of additional lighting and air conditioning units. The space now comprises an operating theatre, a preoperative room, a recovery room, three examination rooms, a small pharmacy, a sterilisation room, and more.
- Equipment: The clinic is now equipped with highly sophisticated, state-of-the-art equipment, including an ophthalmic surgical system for cataract and retina eye surgery, a phaco-emulsifier, an anesthesia machine, an eye surgical microscope, and laser machines.
- Staff and training: The qualified team, which includes a Cuban brigade and local staff, comprises three ophthalmologists, an optometrist, a medical internist, and five nurses, among others. Staff have also received training in the use of the new machines, patient flow, and infection prevention and control.
Since its commissioning on December 2, 2024, the clinic serves approximately 60 to 70 persons daily. The Ministry of Health thanks the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) for their support in ensuring the safety of the operating theatre through environmental testing.
The National Eye Clinic provides a comprehensive range of eye care services, including:
- Diabetic Retinopathy screening (visual acuity, retinal imaging and grading)
- Treatment for diabetic retinopathy (laser photocoagulation)
- General eye services (refraction of the eyes, ocular pressure to test for glaucoma, examination, and ultrasound)
- Surgeries (pterygium and cataract surgeries)
- Internal medicine service (assessment of blood pressure and blood glucose, education on diabetes and hypertension control, prescription refills)
- Referrals and community outreach screening
Eye care services are available Monday to Friday.
- Surgeries are conducted Monday to Thursday.
- Outpatient visits are conducted on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
The public is encouraged to call the clinic Monday to Friday to make an appointment. Those on the waiting list for surgeries will be contacted regarding their preoperative procedures and surgery dates.
The Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs has assured the public of the delivery of quality service through the National Eye Clinic.
