A team from Duke Eye Center's Global Ophthalmology Program traveled to Kingston, Jamaica, July 4-12 to provide cataract surgery for patients experiencing blindness or severe vision loss.
The team, led by Lloyd Williams, MD, included Sheena Song, MD, Duke Eye Center's Global Ophthalmology Fellow; MacGregor Hall, MD, Duke Cornea Fellow; and staff members Taylor Hardin, Kristen Lipsett, Alison Butler, Erin Russell, Thanh Dan, and Nikki Lowe. Working alongside local physicians and staff at Kingston Public Hospital, the group provided care to patients who otherwise may have limited access to vision-restoring treatment.
Over the course of the week, the team performed 345 cataract surgeries, helping restore sight and improve quality of life for hundreds of individuals. Cataracts remain one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide, making access to timely surgical care critical for preventing avoidable vision loss.
The mission was supported by Zion Care International, which assisted with logistics and coordination with Kingston Public Hospital. The mission also received significant support from Duke Health, which donated surgical supplies, pharmaceuticals, equipment, and intraocular lenses used throughout the week. Alcon also contributed product donations that were instrumental in supporting the surgical mission. Together, these contributions helped expand the team's ability to provide high-quality cataract care to hundreds of patients during the week-long outreach effort.
Team members worked from sunrise to sunset throughout the week to meet the tremendous need for cataract surgery. Beyond restoring vision, the mission reflected Duke Eye Center's ongoing commitment to advancing global eye health through service, collaboration, and sustainable partnerships that improve access to ophthalmic care around the world.
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Duke Global Ophthalmology fellow Dr. Sheena Song with Taylor Hardin and Allison Butler. -
Dr. Williams performing cataract surgery during Duke Global Ophthalmology trip to Jamaica. -
Dr. Sheena Song operating on patient during Duke Global Ophthalmology Jamaica trip.