The Doobay Medical and Research Centre, on Tuesday commissioned the Latchmin Kissoon and Family Eye Clinic at the centre located in Annandale, East Coast Demerara (ECD).
Speaking on behalf of his mother and her seven children, all of whom were in Guyana together for the first time in decades, Dhaman Kissoon, explained that his family, who migrated from Canada in the early 1980s, felt compelled to give back after achieving their personal, professional, and family goals.
He said “After spending years and having achieved our goals in studies or work, we decided that it’s time to give back to the community.”
He noted that his mother’s name, Latchmin, means light, vision, and so after learning that a previous undertaking to provide funding for equipment was not fulfilled, the family stepped in to support the project in their mother’s honour.
Latchmin Kissoon, in brief remarks, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the outstanding initiative. She pointed out that she and her children had been living in Canada for 47 years and that they were honoured to have the opportunity to contribute. She said, “I thank Dr. Doobay for choosing my family and me for this occasion,” and added that, “the goal is to help people achieve good health.”
Dr. Doobay expressed appreciation to the Kissoon family and to the many donors and supporters who keep the facility operating and expanding.
He noted that diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of eye disease and blindness in Guyana. Many Guyanese with these conditions cannot afford private eye care, and without early detection and treatment, vision loss can be permanent.
The burden of managing chronic disease is already heavy for families struggling to make ends meet and adding the cost of specialized eye care often becomes impossible.
The new Eye Clinic addresses this crisis by offering comprehensive eye services at approximately 70 percent below private sector costs. The clinic provides cataract surgery, retinal care for patients with diabetes and hypertension, comprehensive eye examinations, and vision restoration treatments. Most importantly, patients unable to pay are still treated.
The Doobay Medical & Research Centre operates on a non-profit model where no one is turned away due to financial constraints. The Centre has a long history of serving those who cannot afford expensive medical treatment.
The Center’s dialysis program began with just six machines operating from a modest space and has expanded to serve over 250 patients across Guyana, many of whom would otherwise have no access to life-saving care. Patients who cannot afford the full cost of dialysis are never turned away. The same commitment to affordable, accessible healthcare now extends to eye care.
The new eye clinic is led by the country’s best ophthalmologists, who have volunteered their expertise because they understand that quality eye care should not be a luxury reserved for the wealthy. These dedicated professionals are committed to providing the same standard of care they would offer in any private facility, but at a price that working families can afford.
The eye clinic complements existing dialysis and stroke rehabilitation services, providing integrated care for patients with kidney disease, diabetes, and hypertension-related complications.
The clinic is also partnering with McMaster University to conduct research on how diabetes and hypertension damage the eyes. This research will lead to better treatments and prevention strategies for Guyanese communities.
Several donors and supporters of the Doobay Medical and Research Centre were present today for the commissioning of the new eye clinic. Also present was Dr. Sonia Anand, Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at McMaster University, and His Excellency Sébastien Sigouin, Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana.
