Complex eye surgeries will be available at CWM Hospital following training of staff

Some good news as a range of complex eye surgeries will be available at the CWM Hospital for the first time as eye care graduates at the Pacific Eye Institute in Suva are currently being trained to undertake these surgeries.

In partnership with the Ministry of Health, the Pacific Eye Institute has introduced training for modern-day cataract surgeries and surgeries to treat various problems with the retina and vitreous.

This is following the installation of new equipment that can provide vitreo-retinal surgeries, a treatment for people with advanced diabetic eye disease.

Previously, patients in Fiji have had to travel to New Zealand, Australia, or India for these types of surgeries.

The Ministry of Health will work with other Pacific Ministries of Health to transport and treat patients in Fiji for eye surgeries.

The equipment was funded by the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) and the Australian High Commission.

Australia’s High Commissioner to Fiji, John Feakes says they are pleased to support Fiji with the state-of-the-art equipment that will make eye surgeries more accessible for Fijians who might not be able to access overseas treatment.

The General Manager of the Pacific Eye Institute, Kirti Prasad says they are always looking for ways to provide patients with eye care services.

She says with the installation of the new equipment and subsequent training, they are now able to treat a wide array of complex eye diseases, such as advanced diabetic eye diseases and retinal detachments within Fiji.

Prasad says this has helped to alleviate the need for expensive and stressful overseas referrals for patients.