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In a groundbreaking leap for healthcare in Nevis, the Alexandra Hospital has performed the island’s first corneal transplant, marking a monumental achievement in local medical history. The pioneering surgery, conducted on November 6, corrected a case of keratoconus—a condition where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape, leading to impaired vision or vision loss.

The transformative procedure was led by renowned ophthalmologist Dr. Roberto Pineda II, in collaboration with Dr. Raymond Hubbe and Dr. Alina Crespo, as part of the “Vision for All” initiative. The surgery not only underscores Nevis’ commitment to expanding high-quality healthcare but also symbolizes the possibilities of cutting-edge medical treatment on the island.

Premier of Nevis, the Honourable Mark Brantley, praised this historic milestone, noting that it reflects Nevis’ ambition to deliver top-tier healthcare to all residents. “Huge congratulations to everyone involved in creating history at Alexandra Hospital. We continue to make strides in providing the best care to all our people, both Nevis and St. Kitts,” Brantley remarked. He also extended heartfelt thanks to Dr. Hubbe, whose dedication and expertise have been instrumental in enhancing healthcare on the island.

The successful transplant has sparked hope for increased access to specialized surgeries within the Federation. Minister of Health, the Honourable Jahnel Nisbett, highlighted how the surgery exemplifies the Nevis Island Administration’s (NIA) commitment to critical healthcare advancements. “We are extremely proud that the NIA’s investment in both medical equipment and strategic international partnerships continues to yield life-changing results,” said Minister Nisbett.

The procedure was made possible through the long-standing partnership between the NIA’s Ministry of Health and the U.S.-based nonprofit organization Vision for All, which aims to provide essential eye care to underserved communities. Vision for All’s biannual visits have brought international experts to Nevis, enabling screenings and surgeries for conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy.

This latest achievement underlines the ongoing success of the Vision for All partnership, which has already facilitated hundreds of eye surgeries, including 59 cataract surgeries in the past year alone. By making advanced, subsidized eye care accessible to residents, Nevis is not only raising the bar for healthcare services in the region but also empowering its community with vision-saving treatments that were once unavailable.

As the patient, a Nevisian woman, embarks on her journey to recovery, the historic transplant at Alexandra Hospital stands as a beacon of progress for the people of Nevis and St. Kitts—a powerful testament to the island’s commitment to health, resilience, and innovation in medical care.