Two eye surgeons who were students of St. George's University (SGU) were in Grenada last week providing free eye care to persons with serious eye conditions. Doctors Robert Fuchigne and Orazio Giliberti performed delicate corneal transplants on three persons last Wednesday at the General Hospital in St. George's.

The corneas, donated by the San Diego Eye Bank, were brought to Grenada through the co-operation of Air Jamaica and British West Indian International Airways (BWIA). During their collegial interchange last year, the surgeons with assistance from the Eye Ward at the Hospital and SGU were able to identify persons in Grenada needing corneal transplant.

Three persons received corneas while several others were treated for other eyes conditions. Speaking to reporters at a news conference held at the General Hospital lobby, Dr. Fuchigne said they were only able to provide corneas for a limited amount of patients.

He gave assurances however that he and his colleague will return to Grenada shortly to hold another clinic for persons they were able to see on this visit. The eye surgeon disclosed that the patients who underwent the transplant are expected to make a full recovery and that if problems occur, they can be corrected through surgery. According to Drs. Fuchigne and Giliberti if the corneal transplants were done in the US it would have cost a patient over US$40,000.00.

Head of the Eye Department at the General Hospital, Dr. Elliot Mc. Guire said the unit is indeed happy to be able to source the expertise needed to perform operations such as corneal transplants for persons in Grenada. He disclosed that for the past 10 years, patients wanting corneas would have had to travel overseas to seek medical attention that cost over US$4500.00 for the operation alone.

According to Dr. Mc. Guire, the goal of his department is to source more tertiary care for Grenadians in need of eye treatment. Health Minister Senator Ann David-Antoine believes that the operations were a major medical and social advancement for the people of the country.

She said that the goal is to provide adequate health care for all citizens. Although corneal transplant is not life threatening, if not treated in time the affected person can suffer the lost of their sight.