Nassau, The Bahamas — Two laser machines have been purchased for the Princess Margaret Hospital Eye Clinic located on Soldier Road.
The Yellow Birds, the volunteer auxiliary organisation stationed on the hospital compound, donated the machines – the YAG Laser and the Diode Laser. The machines were handed over to the clinic during a ceremony held at the clinic on Thursday, February 17. President of Yellow Birds, Ms. Corinne Fountain said the decision to purchase the machines came about after they received a ‘wish list’ from the Chief Medical Administrator.
“Each year, the Yellow Birds ask the Chief Medical Administrator for a wish list of what is needed at the hospital,” said Ms. Fountain.
“This year, through donated funds and money raised through the canteen and gift shop, we were able to raise the funds to purchase the machines.”
On hand to receive the machines was Senior Assistant Hospital Administrator, Ms. Lisa Deveaux, who thanked the Yellow Birds for their efforts and said that the gift would be put to work immediately to ‘save people’s sight in the country’.
According to Dr. Antonio Guerrero, Consultant in the Section of Ophthalmology, the two machines will be instrumental in dealing with persons who suffer from diabetes-related eye ailments and persons suffering from cataracts and glaucoma.
“We are particularly happy to receive these two machines because they are specific to the key areas of eye problems that affect Bahamians,” said Dr. Guerrero.
“The YAG laser will help us to get better diagnosis for persons suffering from cataracts and glaucoma whereas the Diode laser will be used on patients who have eye complications as a result of diabetes.” The machines were purchased at a cost of $123,000.
By Betty Vedrine
Bahamas Information Services
