Nearly a thousand patients undergo eye operations every year at the Regional Eye Centre, located at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) in Honiara.
That’s, according to the Head of the Eye Department and National Eye Program, Dr. Carole Poloso.
Speaking to the Solomon Star in Gizo this week, in an interview Dr. Poloso said that the majority of patients treated at the centre are those suffering from cataracts, one of the leading causes of blindness in Solomon Islands.
“Every year, close to a thousand patients come through the Regional Eye Centre for various eye operations.
“Most of them are cataract cases, which remain the most common cause of avoidable blindness in our country,” Dr. Poloso explained.
She said the number of patients treated also depends on weather conditions and logistical factors, especially during outreach programs in the provinces.
“When we conduct our provincial outreach, we usually handle between 60 to 100 patients per centre, depending on the local demand and available facilities,” she said.
For the ongoing program in Gizo, Western Province, Dr. Poloso said, the team hopes to operate on around 60 patients, while many others will be seen for check-ups and general eye assessments.
“Not everyone who comes in will need surgery. Some only require medication or glasses. Usually, about one-third of the patients examined qualify for operations,” she added.
The National Eye Program, under the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), continues to expand its services across the provinces to ensure that eye care is accessible to all Solomon Islanders, especially those who cannot afford to travel to Honiara.
Dr. Poloso also acknowledged the ongoing support from the Fred Hollows Foundation New Zealand and the Solomon Islands Government, which help make these life-changing eye operations possible every year.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
