Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre Celebrates Vitrectomy Surgery Milestone

On Thursday, September 11, the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) reached a significant milestone by successfully performing the first vitrectomy surgery in Antigua and Barbuda. This achievement positions Antigua as the first country in the region, aside from Trinidad, where the Trinidad Eye Hospital (TEH) team has carried out this advanced surgery.

Dr. Ronnie Bhola, the VR Surgeon, was behind the scalpel during a dazzling week-long surgical extravaganza from September 8–12. Over 130 eye surgeries took center stage, featuring a lineup of vitrectomies, laser treatments, diabetic eye procedures, and pterygium surgeries.

For many patients, this is a crucial change. Previously, those with retinal detachments had to travel abroad at high costs. Now, they can receive transformative procedures locally, resulting in quicker treatment, lower expenses, and more time with family during recovery.

“This is another first for our hospital and for Antigua & Barbuda, and we are all proud of that,” said Dr. Shivon Belle-Jarvis, SLBMC Medical Director. “Sight is so closely tied to our quality of life, our ability to work, to care for our families, and to contribute to our communities and economy. Despite the challenges we face, we continue to do more for the people we serve. This achievement was only possible through the strong support of our partners—the Ministry of Health, the Medical Benefits Scheme, and the Trinidad Eye Hospital—and we are truly grateful.”

The initiative demonstrates SLBMC’s dedication to reducing preventable blindness and enhancing care for diabetic eye disease in Antigua & Barbuda. They express gratitude to partners and healthcare professionals for their support in achieving this milestone.