GPHC expands retina services with 1st-ever scleral buckle surgeries

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has expanded access to specialised eye care following a week-long surgical partnership aimed at strengthening the management of complex retinal conditions in Guyana.
The initiative, held from February 9 to 13, brought together local and international retina specialists to perform advanced procedures and support skills transfer within the hospital’s ophthalmology department.
The collaboration was led by GPHC’s Dr Arlene Bobb-Semple, an ophthalmologist with vitreoretinal speciality training, alongside visiting United States retina specialist Dr Krishi Peddada, who participated through the World Eye Mission. The exercise focused on identifying and surgically treating challenging retinal cases while providing hands-on collaboration and mentorship for local surgical teams.
During the mission, 11 complex retinal surgeries were performed. Among them were two scleral buckle procedures, carried out at GPHC for the first time. Hospital officials described the development as a significant step in expanding the institution’s retinal surgical capacity.
Scleral buckle surgery is used in the repair of retinal detachments. It can serve as a primary treatment method or be combined with a vitrectomy in complex or recurrent cases. The introduction of this procedure at GPHC increases the range of treatment options available to patients locally.
Dr Bobb-Semple is currently the only practising retina surgeon in Guyana. Since joining GPHC in 2018, she has been instrumental in developing the hospital’s retina services. Following the acquisition of vitrectomy equipment, she has been performing complex retinal surgeries locally since 2021.
In Guyana, the absence of a local ophthalmology subspeciality programme requires doctors to pursue advanced training overseas before returning to practice. Dr Bobb-Semple completed several years of postgraduate training, including an additional year in vitreoretinal surgery. Her return to Guyana has enabled the hospital to offer advanced retinal procedures that previously required overseas referral.
GPHC stated that visiting specialist missions play an important role in enhancing local capacity. Such engagements allow for the exchange of skills and advanced techniques while reducing the need for patients to seek treatment abroad. Hospital officials noted that strengthening in-country expertise contributes to improved access to timely care for individuals with complex eye conditions.

The recent mission also provided an opportunity for local surgical teams to observe and participate in advanced techniques.
GPHC indicated that the long-term objective of these initiatives is to strengthen both the hospitals and the country’s ability to manage complex retinal diseases. With continued investment in equipment, training and partnerships, procedures such as scleral buckle surgery could become routine treatment options for eligible patients.
Retinal conditions, particularly retinal detachments and other complex disorders, require timely surgical intervention to prevent permanent vision loss. Expanding local treatment capacity is expected to improve patient outcomes by shortening wait times and limiting delays associated with overseas referrals.
The hospital’s administration commended the surgical team for the successful collaboration and reaffirmed its commitment to advancing specialised services within the public healthcare system.