Newly-opened Brenda Strafford Foundation eye centre ‘promises to be a centre of excellence’ says Dr. Shillingford-Ricketts

The newly opened Brenda Strafford Foundation Eye Centre, at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital (DCFH) promises to be a centre of excellence, not just in Dominica, but across the region, says the head of the Ophthalmology Department, Dr. Hazel Shillingford- Ricketts.

In her remarks at the formal opening of the facility on May 12, Dr. Shillingford-Ricketts pointed out that this “vital move” for the eye patients was a culmination of a long-standing commitment reflecting the love that Dr. Barry Strafford had for his young wife Brenda Strafford who died in a motor vehicle accident in 1974.

In providing some historical context from as far back as 2000, to the commissioning of the eye centre, Dr. Shillingford-Ricketts reported that Dr. Strafford was first approached by two Dominicans in 1979 following the destruction wreaked by Hurricane David, to assist with the reconstruction of Dominica’s health facility.

This relation would bear fruit, as in the months which followed, health centres were constructed in Bagatelle followed by Trafalgar, then later in Coulibistrie and San Sauver.

In 1985, the late honourable Charles Maynard then minister of Health, on learning that the foundation operated an eye, ears nose and throat hospitality in Haiti asked Dr. Stratfford to assist Dominica in establishing an eye service.  From then, significant assistance was provided to fund the acquisition of eye equipment, which, according to Dr. Shillingford-Ricketts, catapulted Dominica ahead in the management of diabetic retinopathy.

In the year 2000, plans officially commenced for the construction of a new eye centre.  The plans for the eye clinic were designed and drawn by architects, led by Mr. Cuthbert Joseph of the Ministry of Communications with input from the staff of the eye clinic and the operating room nurses. The building plan was reviewed by ophthalmologists and technicians and seven years later, Dr. Strafford transferred the funds to Dominica as proof of his commitment to finance the construction of the eye centre.

Dr. Shillingford-Ricketts revealed that Dr. Starfford would not get to witness the formal opening of the centre as he passed way on  April 25, 2016.

The head of Dominica’s ophthalmology department revealed that when the Chinese were contracted to construct the new Dominica China Friendship Hospital, she worked with them towards the utilisation of the original plan.

“Today, you will see how Dominica has been provided with a well designed and constructed modern eye centre,” she said. “The monies [over one million EC] from the Brenda Strafford Foundation were  redirected for the purchase of  modern high tech equipment which will no doubt be added to the equipment already donated by the People’s Republic of China to improve the eye services offered.”

The new facility is equipped with a nursing station for processing patients on arrival. Additionally, there are now six examination rooms, one for use by ophthalmic technicians, three rooms for use by the ophthalmologists, the fifth for fundus photography and non-freeze visual fields, and the final is dedicated to various laser treatments.

Among the other perks of the eye centre are a fully equipped staff kitchenette, an administrative office for the head of the department and a ramp for the physically challenged, to name a few.

“The eye centre has its own operating suite with potential for eye surgery to be performed six days a week instead of once a week,” Dr. Shillingfor-Ricketts made known.

She continued, “This also allows for visiting surgeons to perform eye surgery without having to disrupt the schedules of the other surgeons. Eye Care can also be provided to patients from other countries. There are now three ophthalmologists in the public sector instead of one.”

It was also revealed that the department of anaesthesia is expected to start three pre-up clinics at the Brenda Strafford foundation eye centre for patients booked to have eye surgery as well as to provide monitored and aesthetic care during surgery.

There will also be an eye clinic 5 days a week and one district eye clinic per week at the new the eye centre.

Plans are also in place to introduce a  low vision clinic and a clinic for rehabilitation for blind people for independent living.

“I can proudly say that despite the difficulties and frustration at times, Dominica has made tremendous strides in eye care from the time of the establishment of the Department of Ophthalmology, funded by the Brenda Strafford Foundation back in 1985 to the formal commissioning of this facility today. Going forward, expect the Brenda Strafford Foundation Eye Centre to be a centre of excellence in eye care,” Dr. Shillingford-Ricketts declared.

Meantime, Executive Director of the Brenda Strafford Foundation, Mike Conroy, attributed the existence of “this world-class state of the art eye centre,” despite the many “unpredictable and formidable challenges”, to the resilience, perseverance, and commitment of the various partners involved in the venture.

He said the facility also brings new possibilities and opportunities.

“We hope that this eye centre will act as an important and impactful hub for research, clinical education and practice innovation in partnership with other Caribbean countries in order to leverage the substantial expertise in technology for the benefit of the patients throughout the Caribbean,” Conroy stated.

He pledged the Foundation’s support in providing Dominica with the assistance needed to meet that objective.

Copyright 2012 Dominica News Online, DURAVISION INC. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.

Disclaimer: The comments on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of DominicaNewsOnline.com/Duravision Inc. All comments are approved by DominicaNewsOnline.com before they are posted. We never censor based on political or ideological points of view, but we do try to maintain a sensible balance between free speech and responsible moderating.

We will delete comments that:

  • violate or infringe the rights of any person, are defamatory or harassing or include personal attacks
  • a reasonable person would consider abusive or profane
  • contain material which violates or encourages others to violate any applicable law
  • promote hatred of any kind
  • refer to people arrested or charged with a crime as though they had been found guilty
  • contain links to "chain letters", pornographic or obscene movies or graphic images
  • are excessively long and off-topic

See our full comment/user policy/agreement.

12 Comments

  1. Da
    May 14, 2022

    Another positive investment by one of our own. Thanks Doctor Ricketts and wish you all the best .

  2. May 14, 2022

    You are the perfect example of what “Resilience” is all about Doc, I hope you get your flowers while you are alive; congratulations and good luck.

  3. Roger Burnett
    May 14, 2022

    This is very good news, especially for those of us who have a family history of glaucoma and need regular testing.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  4. Lin clown
    May 14, 2022

    OLe POLICE.
    Night landing,New Roseau hospital.Windsor park Stadium.Marigot hospital.Statehouse.Extension of DC Airport.E O Leblanc highway.N N Liverpool highway.Charles ave hospital road.NEP.Yes we care.Free medical for 60 years and over and 18 years and under.Pit toilet irradiation.Clear harbour.Hillsborough gardens village.The removal of $20 hospital user fees imposed by UWP.Repayment of $33,000,000 debt owed to DSS by UWP.School bus service.12 state of the art health centers.Completion of valley road after $4,000,000 disappeared during the reign of UWP.Macoucherie bridge.Natalie bridge.PointeRounde bridge..Belvue Chopin city.$300 for citizens above 70 years.International airport.Repurchase of DOMLEC,sold by UWP.According to ole police only Labourites profit from the above mentioned,and many many more.Pierre Charles was talking about ole police and the other UWP DON keys,when he talk about wearing the ignorance like a badge of honour.Brenda Strafford eye hospital is welcomed.

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 1 Thumb down 10
    • look joke
      May 16, 2022

      You do understand that infrastructure which all this falls under is the responsibility of a government right? I Mean do you go to the schools and praise the teachers for doing the work they were hired to do. None of these you mentioned are anything up and beyond the call of duty of any government, stop praising the bare minimum. No wonder the rest f the world views us as dotish. we out here praising men for doing what’s expected of them. Are you for real? Wake me when they do something worth giving praise for, bare minimum is not it. IDK…MAYBE LOWER PORT FEES SO THE LOCAL PEOPLE CAN AFFORD TO ACTUALLY DO BUSINESS IN DOMINICA.

      Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
    • May 16, 2022

      Sorry Lin CLOWN a most fitting name for the articles that you write; you darned well know it was you and the other DLP “mouton batallie” that PM Pierre Charles was addressing at the time he made that famous statement; tell me smart ARSE who “stabbed him in the back when he was reaching out to you all?” it certainly was not me or UWP.

  5. Peter Karam
    May 14, 2022

    Blessings and protection DR Ricketts

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  6. Pipo
    May 14, 2022

    This is the kind of real positive news we like to hear more of. Genuine human care provided without fear or favour but from the heart without prejudice, only dictated by need. Mepwie does not help to get people better, this does! Dr. Hazel, you are one of our unsung heroes. Thank you.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  7. AA
    May 14, 2022

    Picture DNO. Does not look like your reporters were at the ceremony. Sounds more like a copy of what was Said. It is always god to see pictures, so readers can g’et the femling of being present.

  8. Patricia Inglis
    May 13, 2022

    Thank you Dr. Hazel Shilllingford-Ricketts we salute you for your continuing commitment to service

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 18 Thumb down 0
  9. Odin
    May 13, 2022

    Bravo Dr. Ricketts !
    Your persistence and perseverance over the years has certainly paid off
    and now, at last, the Brenda Strafford Foundation Eye Centre
    is here to bless and benefit our lovely Dominica.
    Thank you , Dear Doctor.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
  10. Patricia Garraway-Inglis
    May 13, 2022

    Dr. Ricketts believes that an eye center is very important for the island. Comment made by Dr. Hazel Shillingford-Ricketts in 2014 (detailed below) despite the challenges and frustration experienced reflects her passion and fortitude in ensuring the successful completion of the Eye Clinic commissioned on the 12th May 2022.

    “The idea of an eye center is very important to Dominica, because we have to increase our services to the public so we therefore need the infrastructure, the house, the equipment and the various personnel required to deliver the service,” she noted.
    Thank you Dr. Hazel Shillingford-Ricketts. We salute you for your continuing commitment to service.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0

Post a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

:) :-D :wink: :( 8-O :lol: :-| :cry: 8) :-? :-P :-x :?: :oops: :twisted: :mrgreen: more »

 characters available