The Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs in Saint Lucia has announced the resumption of surgeries at the National Eye Clinic, marking a pivotal step in restoring comprehensive eye care services within the public health sector. This development follows a temporary halt in surgical procedures in March 2023 due to infrastructural challenges. The recommencement of surgeries began on October 8, 2025, with 17 successful pterygium cases already completed and cataract surgeries scheduled to follow shortly.
A thorough assessment of the previous facility led to a phased enhancement program, resulting in significant upgrades to the clinic. These improvements include infrastructural advancements such as the identification of an alternative space, redesigning and retrofitting the area, and installing additional lighting and air conditioning units. The upgraded facility now features an operating theatre, a preoperative room, a recovery room, three examination rooms, a small pharmacy, and a sterilisation room.
The clinic is now equipped with cutting-edge technology, including an ophthalmic surgical system for cataract and retina procedures, a phaco-emulsifier, an anesthesia machine, an eye surgical microscope, and laser machines. A highly skilled team, comprising three ophthalmologists, an optometrist, a medical internist, and five nurses, has been trained to operate the new equipment and ensure efficient patient flow and infection control.
Since its commissioning on December 2, 2024, the clinic has been serving approximately 60 to 70 patients daily. The Ministry of Health has expressed gratitude to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) for their support in ensuring the safety of the operating theatre through environmental testing.
The National Eye Clinic offers a wide range of services, including diabetic retinopathy screening and treatment, general eye examinations, surgeries for pterygium and cataracts, internal medicine services, and community outreach programs. Eye care services are available Monday to Friday, with surgeries conducted Monday to Thursday and outpatient visits on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
The public is encouraged to contact the clinic for appointments, and those on the waiting list for surgeries will be notified about their preoperative procedures and surgery dates. The Ministry has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering high-quality services through the National Eye Clinic.