Vitreoretinal surgical procedures now offered in Guyana

…as LSD Charities donate $46M in equipment

Patients scheduled to undergo vitreoretinal surgical procedures will no longer have to leave Guyana to seek treatment abroad, as the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) is now equipped with the necessary apparatus.

Through the Latter Day Saints (LDS) Charities, the Ophthalmology Department of GPHC would have benefitted from equipment and other supplies, valued at some US$230,000. The setup, which was handed over on Friday, consists of iridex laser indirect ophthalmoscope, an oertli vitrectomy machine, indocyanine green dye, silicon oil among other items.
Head of the Ophthalmology Department of the GPHC, Dr Shailendra Sugrim indicated that there was an urgent need for the introduction of these services. Now, these procedures will be provided free to Guyanese, eliminating the need for them to seek funds for treatment.
“The Department of Ophthalmology is, of course, excited that the LDS charity is going to continue collaboration with Guyana once again. The surgical services are a dire need in our population right now. Currently, patients have to travel overseas for vitreoretinal surgical service and usually have to seek financial support for this service from the Ministry of Public Health,” Dr Sugrim indicated.
He further added that the entire procurement process was spearheaded by the LSD Charities.
“Diabetic patients who have advanced stages of retinopathy will have this option to now access this care at Georgetown Hospital…Over the past few months, the equipment was purchased and procured by the Latter Day Saints Charities.”
According to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GPHC, Brigadier (ret’d) George Lewis, this addition will further enable the hospital to advance and expand its services.
To better services at the facility, he shared that they would have forged collaborations in the past with a number of agencies. Thus far, he also recognised that diabetic-related complications are on the rise.
“In an effort to improve the eyecare delivery provided at the Georgetown Public Hospital, the Department of Ophthalmology has, over the past four years, introduced cornea transplant surgeries, diabetic eye screening and laser eye treatment for diabetic retinopathy. With a notable rise among diabetes-related challenges among Guyanese, there is an urgent need to enable the provision of restorative eye surgery within the country,” Lewis signalled.
Along with the equipment, vitreoretinal surgeon Dr Richard Covey was appointed to develop the Department’s capabilities in handling these procedures.
A vitreoretinal disease is not regarded as one condition but rather, a group of eye disease that affects the retina at the back of the eye and the vitreous fluid around it.
On the other hand, a vitreoretinal surgery refers to any procedure to treat eye complications involving the retina, vitreous fluid and macula. They may include retinal detachment, macular hole, epiretinal membrane and complications related to diabetic retinopathy.
Since 2014, the LSD Charities have been known for the support locally, with noteworthy humanitarian contributions, especially in combatting visual impairments and blindness.