Diseases of the eye are on the rise particularly in Jamaica, and this has had a debilitating effect on our population.  In an effort to make eye care affordable and accessible to the public, the Ophthalmic Division, UHWI has embarked on a drive to acquire the equipment needed to meet the high demand which allow us to continue to deliver excellence in eye care for Jamaica. 

The Chinese Embassy in Jamaica has donated to the UHWI a Keeler Cryomaster Machine, (valued US$20,000). This Cryomachine is surgical equipment that is used in vision saving ophthalmic surgeries, in particular Retinal Detachments and Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), which occurs in premature babies.  Both these conditions require emergency treatment to save the vision of the affected individuals.

An official Handover Ceremony was be held at the UHWI Board Room on Thursday, April 7, 2016 at 1:00 p.m.

What is cryotherapy?

“Cryo” refers to “freezing”. Cryotherapy involves placing a very cold metal probe against the wall of the eye so that all of the eye’s layers are frozen, including the retina that lines the inside of the eye.

What does cryotherapy do?

Cryotherapy creates an adhesive scar that seals the retina against the wall of the eye. The effect of cryotherapy (the adhesive scar) is similar to laser treatment, but the treatment effect is accomplished using cold rather than heat.

When is cryotherapy performed?

Cryotherapy is used most often to treat retinal tears. The retina surrounding the tear is frozen, creating an adhesive scar around the tear that is quite similar to the scar created by a laser.

Why is cryotherapy chosen over laser treatment?

Since both methods accomplish the same treatment effect, this is largely a matter of personal preference for the doctor and the patient. Both methods take approximately the same amount of time (roughly 15 minutes, depending on the number and size of the tears) and are similarly comfortable. Retinal tears sometimes cause bleeding inside the eye that might block the laser beam from reaching the retina. In such a case, cryotherapy is preferred, as it freezes “from the outside in” and therefore is not impeded by blood inside the eye.

Present Were:

Chairman                                 Dr. Carl Bruce, Senior Director—Clinical Services (UHWI)

Prayer                                      Nurse Josette Martin (UHWI, Eye Theatre)              

Greetings                                 Mr. James Moss-Solomon, Chairman (UHWI Board)

                                                Mr. Kevin Allen, Acting Chief Executive Officer (UHWI)

                                                Professor Minerva Thame, Head— Child Health (UHWI)

                                                Dr. Mark Newnham, Consultant—Dept. of Surgery (UHWI)

                                                Professor Horace Fletcher, Dean—Faculty of Medicine (UWI)

                                                Mr. George Patton, Counsellor Caretaker for the Papine Division

                                                For Mrs. Fayval Williams, Member of Parliament

                                                Professor Archibald McDonald, Principal (UWI)

                                                Dr. Lizette Mowatt, Head—Ophthalmology (UHWI)    

 Presentation of Item              Ambassador Niu Qingbao

                                                Ambassador Chinese Embassy

                                                ZHAO Liping, Director of Political Division

Vote of Thanks                       Mr. Fitzgerald Mitchell

                                                Senior Director—Operations & Facilities (UHWI)