Antigua and Barbuda is preparing to introduce free corneal replacement surgeries through a new partnership with the United States-based World Eye Mission.

Health Minister Michael Joseph informed Cabinet that the Ministry of Health is in the advanced stages of finalizing an agreement that will significantly expand access to specialized eye care services on island.

The programme is expected to begin with five corneal replacement surgeries, providing life-changing treatment for patients who would otherwise have been forced to travel overseas for costly medical procedures.

The initiative will also pave the way for additional advanced ophthalmological services and complex eye surgeries as part of the Government’s broader effort to modernize healthcare delivery.

Cabinet welcomed the partnership as a transformative development for the healthcare sector and said the programme will reduce financial burdens on families while improving access to high-quality medical care.

The Government said the agreement forms part of its wider strategy to expand specialist healthcare services and strengthen international medical cooperation.