Teen’s only seeing eye saved in landmark Guyana-Trinidad complex surgery

Last Updated on Friday, 6 March 2026, 19:54 by Writer

In a landmark moment for advanced eye care in Guyana, Optique Eye Hospital, in collaboration with Trinidad Eye Hospital, successfully facilitated and delivered a highly complex retinal detachment surgery this week at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, Optique Eye Hospital said Friday.

Optique said the patient, a 13-year-old girl with a severe retinal detachment in the only seeing eye, faced imminent and irreversible blindness.

The procedure – one of the most technically demanding surgeries in vitreoretinal ophthalmology – was undertaken as a secondary measure to preserve remaining vision and optimize the potential for visual recovery.

The surgery was completed successfully, and the clinical team remains cautiously optimistic as post-operative healing progresses, the privately-owned Guyanese-owned eye hospital added.

Retinal detachment surgery of this complexity typically requires overseas referral.

In many jurisdictions, the surgical cost alone can exceed US$50,000, excluding travel, accommodation, and associated expenses – creating a significant financial burden for families and healthcare institutions.

Through this regional collaboration, the surgery was performed locally in Guyana, ensuring timely intervention without the need for international transfer, according to Optique.

Optique also said all professional fees and associated costs were discounted, and the entire cost of the procedure was fully covered jointly by Optique Eye Hospital, Trinidad Eye Hospital, and Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), ensuring that the child and family bore no financial burden.

This case reflects a broader strategic initiative to build sustainable, high-level subspecialty ophthalmic services within Guyana and across the Caribbean. Dr. Ronnie Bhola and the team of the Trinidad Eye Hospital are in Guyana this week, as the initiation of this effort to integrate regional expertise with local infrastructure. Advanced care is now accessible at home within the soon-to-be-launched Optique Eye Hospital at 350 New Market Street, Georgetown.

Optique said it was very proud to have been part of this project and very pleased that, through collaboration with Mr. Dhani Narine, CEO of Optique Eye Hospital, and Dr. Shailendra Sugrim, this was made possible here in Guyana.

“Cases like this demonstrate that highly specialized, world-class eye surgery can be delivered within our region, reducing the need for families to travel abroad and bringing hope to patients facing possible blindness.

Our mission is not only to deliver eye care, but to elevate the standard of what is possible within Guyana and the Caribbean.”

This case demonstrates that with the right partnerships, a friendly investment climate offered by the Government of Guyana, and commitment, highly complex subspecialty procedures can be performed locally at an international standard.

Optique also said it remains committed to investing in advanced ophthalmic services so that no child or adult has to leave the country for sight-saving care when it can be delivered safely and effectively at home.”

The successful management of this case underscores the importance of continued regional collaboration, sustained investment in specialist infrastructure, and a shared commitment to preserving sight for children and adults within Guyana and throughout the Caribbean.