A 22-member mission of eye specialists from the United States were in St. Vincent and the Grenadines performing eye clinics and surgeries under the auspices of the Lions Club of Kingstown from May 26 to June 1.
The medical team was led by Eric Purdy, an ophthalmologist and included three ophthalmologists, four opticians, two ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists, and other volunteers.
While in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the mission successfully performed 86 eye surgeries at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH), which included two corneal transplants, several cataract extractions and four ear, nose and throat surgeries at no cost to the patients. An estimated 700 persons received free eye care services, as well as blood pressure and glucose monitoring, at clinics which were held at the designated medical facility within the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex.
This is the 43rd year of the United States Mobile Medical Mission to St. Vincent, in partnership with the Lions Club Kingstown and the Ministry of Health.
The annual collaboration has facilitated numerous ophthalmological interventions for patients over the years.
Additionally, the medical team has made several tangible donations including eyeglasses to patients, machinery and medical supplies amounting to millions of dollars to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.
Beacon Insurance Co. Ltd. sponsored the annual USA Eye Care Mobile Medical Mission this year, for the third consecutive occasion.