In an advancement for eye care in Guyana, South America, Duke Global Ophthalmology (DukeGO), in collaboration with Georgetown Public Hospital, successfully performed the nation’s first Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) corneal transplants. This milestone was achieved during a three-day mission in July, led by Lloyd Williams, MD, PhD, Director of DukeGO and an internationally recognized cornea surgeon. This effort revived and expanded corneal transplant services in Guyana.
Corneal transplantation requires donor tissue from eye banks which are currently unavailable in the region. Thanks to the generous support of Miracles In Sight and CorneaGen, Williams was able to bring donated corneal tissue to the country, making these life-changing procedures possible.
Beyond the surgeries themselves, DukeGO’s mission emphasizes sustainable impact through education and training. Williams provided hands-on surgical mentorship to Celeste Hinds, MD, a local cornea specialist. He was joined by Sheena Song, DO, the inaugural DukeGO Global Ophthalmology Fellow, who delivered a lecture on corneal transplantation to local ophthalmologists and trainees. These efforts are helping to build long-term ophthalmic capacity in the region.
Seventeen patients received sight-restoring procedures during the mission—treatments that are otherwise inaccessible in Guyana. This initiative represents a significant step forward in expanding access to advanced eye care and lays the groundwork for future developments, including the establishment of a national eye bank.
This is not Williams’ first-time making history abroad. In 2021, he performed the first corneal transplants in Sierra Leone and has since returned multiple times to continue providing care and training. His global work also spans Indonesia, South Sudan, and Ethiopia, where he has contributed to strengthening local ophthalmology services.
DukeGO remains steadfast in its mission to reduce avoidable blindness and alleviate human suffering through sustainable, high-impact global partnerships and education.