History of OSWI

Founded in 1990, the Ophthalmological Society of the West Indies (OSWI) brings together ophthalmic clinicians, regional representatives, and nurses, as well as government, corporate, and affiliate partners in its quest to eradicate and prevent blindness in the Caribbean.

A regional voice for ophthalmology in the West Indies, OSWI’s annual conferences provide a global platform for ongoing exchange of ideas and subsequent implementation in ophthalmic practice. OSWI is also working toward bringing regional training programs to international standards.

1990

OSWI officially opened

OSWI officially opened the first week of July, 1990 kingston, jamaica wyndham hotel, confined, small avid group

1991

PIOL’s introduced and important networking achieved

1991 Port-of -Spain, Trinidad Normandie Hotel, French West Indies ophthalmologists attended, PIOL’s
introduced and important networking achieved

1992

Launch of Barbados Eye Study

Bridzetowr, Berbados Sam Lord’s Castle, saw the laucdch of Barbades Eye Study uider Dr
cristing Leske of SUNY acd with qwidaerce ® sarticization of local docters

OSWI hosted the ICO’s Teaching the Teachers program at their 2016 Congress in Barbados and offered workshops for residents and a joint symposium with the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at their July 2017 Congress in Georgetown, Guyana. Furthering their footprint, OSWI is also presenting a session at the 2018 World Ophthalmology Congress® in Barcelona, Spain. OSWI also presented at an AAO Congress held in Mexico in 2016.

Join OSWI’s Mission—Act Now!

Call us to connect, contribute, and help shape the future of Ophthalmology in the West Indies.

Our Press

November 4, 2020 In 2010, Latest News, News, Press

Ophthalmological Society of
the West Indies

November 4, 2020 In 2010, Latest News, News, Press

Ophthalmological Society of
the West Indies

November 4, 2020 In 2010, Latest News, News, Press

Ophthalmological Society of
the West Indies

Our Education

A Ptotic Love Story by Dr. Crystal Haynes

The Drooping Lid by Dr. Kendi Griffith

Our Press

Leon W. Herndon, Jr., MD

Professor of Ophthalmology

Leon W. Herndon, Jr., MD, is Professor of Ophthalmology at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina. He earned his MD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, and served…

Harminder Singh

Dua, CBE, CMLJ, DL

MBBS, DO, DO(London), MS, MNAMS, FRCS(Edinburgh), FEBO, FRCOphth, FRCP(Edinburgh, Hon.), FCOptom.(Hon.), FRCOphth.(Hon.), FAICO (India, Hon.), MD, PhD, is Chair and Professor of Ophthalmology at the Queens…

Leon W. Herndon, Jr., MD

Professor of Ophthalmology

Leon W. Herndon, Jr., MD, is Professor of Ophthalmology at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina. He earned his MD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, and served…

Dr. Josh Ramkissoon

Graduated from Mt Hope

Leon W. Herndon, Jr., MD, is Professor of Ophthalmology at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina. He earned his MD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, and served…

Our Sponsors & Partners

Latest News

OSWI Booth at Curso Miami

OSWI was well represented at the XLVII Curso InterAmericano De Oftalmologia Clinica (CURSO) held in Miami from 26th – 29th October, 2025. Our Lay Secretariat, Mrs. Shannon Hoo Fatt, managed the OSWI booth where she promoted the OSWI mission and its 37th Congress, which is to be held in Barbados in 2026. There were also […]

Prayer For Those Affected By Hurricane Melissa

From President Sharma and the OSWI Executive: “Our hearts and prayers are with our Jamaican delegates and all affected by Hurricane Melissa. 🇯🇲💙May strength, safety, and calm surround you through this storm.Your OSWI family stands with you — together, we see hope beyond the clouds.” OSWI2026 #Followers #CaribbeanOphthalmology #WeStandTogether #JamaicaStrong #HurricaneMelissa #EyeCareCommunity

OSWI is heading to Miami!

We’re excited to attend the XLVII Curso Interamericano de Oftalmología Clínica (CURSO) from October 26th–29th, 2025 at the Hyatt Regency Miami. Visit our booth P4 and connect with us in the Prefunction Area — let’s talk innovation, vision care, and collaboration across the region! OSWI #EyeCareExcellence #OphthalmologyConference #Miami2025 #EyeHealth #VisionCare #Ophthalmology #MedicalConference #EyeCareProfessionals #Networking #GlobalVision

Call For Abstracts

Dear Members, Abstract submissions are now OPEN for the OSWI 2026 Conference! We encourage all members to take this opportunity to share your research, clinical cases, and innovative ideas with colleagues across the region and beyond. 📅 Submission Deadline: 31st December 2025 Don’t miss the chance to be part of the scientific program – submit […]

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