Eye Health Institute

The Eye Health Institute (EHI) was founded in 2000, is an Internal Revenue Service 501(c) (3) non-profit organization based in Boulder, Colorado. EHI provides comprehensive, quality eye care to the financially disadvantaged and underserved children and families on the island of Jamaica. Examinations are free and ophthalmic goods are provided at no cost. The need for these services is great, especially in the rural communities outside of the larger economic centers. It is estimated that half of the population will not receive vision care in their lifetime. Many cases of blindness are caused by cataracts and other treatable conditions.

In 1996 Dr. Richard Cross first visited Jamaica with an eye care team consisting of two optometrists and two opticians. They were overwhelmed by the large number of people waiting in line all day for the chance to improve their vision. They examined over 100 people each day, and were saddened by the fact that many had to be turned away. Upon finishing the mission, they returned the following year in order to help more people. A young woman in Broughton that had been legally blind for over ten years burst into tears when she was given glasses. She had not seen her mother’s face since being a small child. Women who had lost the ability to sew have been given the opportunity to return to work as seamstresses simply by receiving reading glasses. Churchgoing patients were thrilled by the fact that they could once again read the Bible. A young boy thought to be learning disabled and failing in school was found to be highly nearsighted. Glasses allowed him to participate in classroom activities and resume learning alongside his fellow classmates. These experiences and others have inspired the doctors and volunteers to continue serving people in the rural areas of Jamaica. As a result, EHI has returned annually to provide care and glasses to people without access or means to see an eye care provider.

In April 2006 the Ministry of Health allowed an EHI volunteer cataract surgeon to perform a dozen procedures for patients that were identified during previous clinics. The surgeries were performed at the Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay.

In a show of support from the Ministry of Health the Jamaican government has provided the EHI with space in the Grange-Kendall medical facility for a permanent eye clinic. Ophthalmic equipment and supplies were installed at the USAID clinic, allowing EHI to provide services there for the first time in November 2006.

In November 2007, an additional bio-microscope and other equipment and supplies were delivered to the clinic. This enabled EHI to treat 400 patients in three locations in western Jamaica. Approximately 225 pairs of glasses were dispensed and more than 22 cases of cataracts and other conditions needing additional surgical treatment were identified.

In 2008, EHI’s surgical team performed 19 eye surgeries at the Lucea Hospital. Overall, more than 700 patients were served at various clinics in Western Jamaica and 260 prescription eyeglasses were dispensed. In addition, over-the-counter readers and sunglasses were distributed to needy Jamaicans.

In January 2009 Dr. Andrews and Dr. Cross returned to the clinic for post-operative evaluation of the surgery patients.

During the November 2009 clinics over 600 patients were served, including 262 vision screenings, 186 comprehensive exams, and 134 pediatric exams. The surgical team performed 3 corneal transplants and 12 cataract surgeries at the Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay. Jamaican Medical interns were able to observe Dr. Andrews and to participate in the operations. Dr. Andrews and Dr. Cross returned in January of 2010 for post-operative evaluations of the surgical patients.

Even with all that has been accomplished, EHI needs your assistance. Your support will help the Eye Health Institute expand services, upgrade the clinic, add additional equipment; expand capacity, and improve outreach to schools. In 2010, EHI will train school officials to screen students for vision problems, and offer diabetic vision evaluations at the request of the local health authority.