The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) held another what they said was a successful Cataract Surgery Clinic last week, where over one hundred people from across Antigua & Barbuda received “free life-changing cataract surgeries”

The clinic helped residents who were not able to pay for cataract surgery. It was held between May 21-28.

Health experts say while the formation of cataracts cannot be prevented surgical treatment is necessary to get the vision corrected and restore loss of sight

Dr. Osama Dias, SLBMC Ophthalmologist said there are many working people who need cataract surgery but can’t afford to pay for it

“The goal is to eradicate blindness due to cataracts in our country and bring as many people as possible from blindness to useful productive lives. Working along with our colleagues from Trinidad Eye Hospital, we’ve been able to restore sight to hundreds of people whose blindness was not only devastating to them as individuals, it was also a burden on their families. No one in Antigua & Barbuda should have to go without needed cataract surgery due to finances. In my estimation, this is simply one of the most impactful programs of our hospital—And we’re doing everything we can to ensure that the people in our community who needs this support, gets it,” he said