For the past 25 years, the government of Saint Lucia has partnered with the Cuban government to provide essential healthcare, including eye care, within the public health sector.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruptions to these essential services, especially at the former Victoria Hospital, which was repurposed as a Respiratory Hospital.
In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that over 2 billion people live with vision impairment, with at least 1 billion experiencing poor vision due to a lack of access to eye care.
Recognizing the increasing demand for eye care services, the Ministry of Health has taken decisive steps to build capacity within the public health sector. The former Cuban Eye Clinic was reestablished at the Victoria Hospital in December 2022, with surgeries commencing in January 2023.
However, due to infrastructural challenges, the Ministry temporarily suspended surgical procedures in March 2023 while continuing all other eye care services. To enhance eye care services, the Ministry implemented a comprehensive programme aligned with health system reform and the goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (SDG 3.8).
The phased implementation at the Dr. Betty Wells Urban Polyclinic includes the newly established 16-hour Urgent Care Unit, a General Medical Clinic, a Diabetic and Hypertensive Clinic, and the new National Eye Clinic.
With pride, a ministry official stated, “We are committed to transforming eye care services in the public sector through the State-of-the-Art National Eye Clinic.”
The clinic became operational on December 2, 2024, merging the Diabetic Retinopathy clinic and the Cuban Eye Clinic, previously housed at Victoria Hospital. Infrastructural upgrades include identifying alternative space, redesigning, retrofitting, and installing state-of-the-art biomedical equipment. The clinic is outfitted with advanced technology for cataract and retina surgeries, including an ophthalmic surgical system, phaco-emulsifier, anaesthesia machine, eye surgical microscope, laser machines, and patient monitors.
New furniture has also been procured for patient and staff comfort. The improved space features an operating theatre, preoperative and recovery rooms, three examination rooms, a small pharmacy, sterilization room, nursing station, and spacious waiting and reception areas.
The National Eye Clinic also includes two consultation rooms and a laser room for the Diabetic Retinopathy clinic. Staff members have received extensive training on the new equipment and infection prevention measures.
The qualified team consists of three ophthalmologists, an optometrist, a medical internist, a biomedical engineer, five nurses, a pharmacist, and auxiliary staff.
The Ministry of Health acknowledges the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) for its critical support in ensuring the operating theatre’s safety. Since the clinic’s commissioning on December 2, 2024, approximately 60 to 70 individuals have accessed various eye care services daily.
The Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs proudly announces the recommencement of surgeries at the National Eye Clinic as of October 8, 2025.
To date, 17 successful pterygium surgeries have been performed, with cataract surgeries scheduled to follow. The National Eye Clinic offers a range of eye care services to the public, including Diabetic Retinopathy Screening, Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy, General Eye Services, Referrals, and Community Outreach Screening.
Eye care services are available Monday to Friday, with surgeries conducted from Monday to Thursday and outpatient visits on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.