Bridging Borders: A Bold New Model for Ophthalmology Training in the Caribbean

At Trinidad Eye Hospital, innovation isn’t just a buzzword it’s a commitment. In a region where aspiring ophthalmologists often face limited access to advanced training, a pioneering initiative is reshaping the future of eye care education in Trinidad & Tobago and the wider Caribbean.

A Vision Aligned with Global Standards

By aligning with the Royal College curriculum, Trinidad Eye Hospital has developed a comprehensive, locally grounded training model that mirrors international best practices. This private-sector initiative is more than a program it’s a movement toward empowering doctors through structured, consultant-led mentorship and a dynamic blend of virtual and in-person learning.

From observerships and conference presentations to hands-on clinical and surgical experience, the program offers a rich tapestry of opportunities for growth. It’s designed not only to elevate the standard of ophthalmic care but also to prepare doctors for international subspecialty fellowships.

Data-Driven Development

With access to a patient base exceeding 20,000, residents are immersed in real-world scenarios that fuel research, audits, and publications. This data-rich environment lays the groundwork for academic excellence and global recognition.

To support this initiative, an Education Unit and a detailed prospectus were established, expanding the network of lecturing doctors. Today, more than 25 consultants from across the globe contribute to this vibrant educational ecosystem.

Why Should Private Providers Step into the medical training arena?

The answer is simple: impact. Private institutions have the agility and resources to fill critical gaps in postgraduate medical education. By investing in training, they not only enhance workforce readiness but also elevate the quality of care across both public and private sectors.

At Trinidad Eye Hospital, a Subsidised Program was introduced which allowed patients to consent their care to a training environment while receiving treatment. These patients usually come from the public hospital system and willingly to sign up for this programme due to the cost benefits.

This model also increased the ability to train surgeons while reducing the dependency on being accepted into foreign programs, to build their competence. This allows Caribbean doctors to thrive locally without compromising on quality or opportunity.

The Investment Behind the Innovation

Setting up a program of this scale requires significant investment financial, intellectual, and infrastructural. From building digital platforms and securing international partnerships to recruiting global experts and maintaining a robust patient database, the commitment is substantial but the returns; Transformational.

What Has Been Achieved?

• Over 20,000 patients served annually; providing a rich clinical and surgical learning environment.

• 25+ global consultants actively contributing to training and mentorship.

• Multiple residents successfully entering international fellowship programs.

• Published research and audits based on local data sets.

• A growing network of trained ophthalmologists now serving both public and private sectors.

A Resident’s Journey: From Local Training to Global Fellowship

One of the highlights of this initiative is the story of a former resident Dr. Sareta Dubay, who began her journey at Trinidad Eye Hospital in 2019 becoming a fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists ( London) in 2024 and recently completed a prestigious fellowship in Neuro-Ophthalmology and Strabismus at Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre. Her path from local mentorship to international qualification embodies the program’s mission: to nurture talent and unlock global opportunities.

Private vs Public, Local vs Foreign; the debate continues

More debate on the pros and cons of private versus public sector training, and local versus foreign educational experiences is a welcome discussion at all levels. TEH hopes to explore a variety of perspectives, challenge assumptions, and explore how collaborative models can shape the future of ophthalmology in the Caribbean.

Trinidad Eye Hospital is proud to lead this transformative journey one that not only trains doctors but also builds a legacy of excellence in eye care across the region.