Antigua and Barbuda is set to offer free corneal replacement surgeries through a new partnership with United States-based World Eye Mission.
Health Minister Michael Joseph briefed Cabinet on the initiative, advising that the Ministry of Health is in the advanced stages of finalising an agreement that will significantly expand access to specialised eye care services locally.
The programme is expected to launch with five corneal replacement surgeries — providing life-changing treatment for patients who would otherwise face costly overseas travel to receive the same care.
Beyond the initial procedures, the partnership is designed to open the door to additional advanced ophthalmological services and complex eye surgeries, forming part of the Government's broader effort to modernise healthcare delivery in Antigua and Barbuda.
Cabinet welcomed the development as transformative for the healthcare sector, noting that the programme will ease the financial burden on families while improving access to high-quality medical treatment.
The Government described the agreement as a key component of its wider strategy to expand specialist healthcare services and strengthen international medical cooperation.
