Guyana is hosting the 28th Ophthalmological Society of the West Indies (OSWI) Annual Regional Conference, from July 5th – 8th at the Marriott Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown.
The annual OSWI conference attracts ophthalmic surgeons, clinicians, nurses, technicians, pharmaceutical and equipment distributors and affiliate partners within the Caribbean region annually.
Dr George Norton overlooks a ophthalmology procedure.
The yearly conference also serves an advocacy role while helping to promote policies and standards for vision care and enabling continuing professional development opportunities for physicians, surgeons and other professionals in the field.
The four-day event will serve as an opportunity for 10 local nurses, General Medical Officers (GMOs) and other allied health workers selected to attend to upgrade and sharpen their skills.
Some of the ophthalmologists are expected to perform clinical work at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, the sole referral institution in Guyana.
Issues to be addressed at the conference will include basic eyelid repairs; how diabetes affects the eyesight; glaucoma and cataract surgeries and managing refractive errors in children. Refractive errors include nearsightedness, farsightedness and distorted vision.
Former Public Health Minister, Dr. George Norton (MP) played a pivotal role in 2016 in helping get Guyana selected to host the OSWI’s conference this year.