US medical team completes 262 eye surgeries at Port Mourant
A 21-member United States Army (US) ophthalmology team has successfully completed 262 surgeries at the National Ophthalmology Hospital at Port Mourant, Berbice.
Some of the United States Army’s New Horizons team
The two-week programme, which was undertaken by United States Army’s New Horizons team, completed 208 cataract surgeries, 49 pterygia (A pterygium is a growth of the conjunctiva or mucous membrane that covers the white part of your eye over the cornea. The cornea is the clear front covering of the eye. This benign or noncancerous growth is often shaped like a wedge) and one lens implant.
The team also carried out four other surgical procedures during their visit.
The team, which comprised of eight surgeons, four optical technicians, one biomedical engineer, five operating room nurses and five security personnel, commenced operations on May 6.
Head of Team Horizons, Ophthalmologist, Major Andrew Lewis noted that the team was able to complete so many surgeries in that short period because of the assistance it received from the Cuban brigade prior to its arrival.
He explained that the local doctors were adequately able to evaluate the patients, thus enabling the team to do more of what it came to do.
“When we came in and did the prescreening we say 313 patients and we were able to sign up neatly 270 of those patients. That is a testimony to the quality of the physicians that are here. Where we were at other locations in other countries and not had a local team that has been able to take care of the patients in such a good way we have not been able to do nearly as mush surgeries while we have been there.”
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Dan Stoica of the US Embassy representing the US Ambassador said the team represented the US well.
Focal Point Coordinator Alex Foster explained that for some time, the hospital has not been able to deliver a good service and over 2000 persons were on the waiting list for surgeries.
He told the visitors that the sunshine which they brought to over 250 Guyanese families will be returned to them.
