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.

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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…

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Latest News

2026 Garth Taylor Memorial Lecturer – Dr. Jas Singh

✨ A Legacy Honoured. A Visionary Announced. ✨ OSWI is proud to announce Dr. Jas Singh as the Garth Taylor Memorial Lecturer 2026 — a global leader in vitreoretinal surgery, education, and ophthalmic training whose impact spans continents and generations of surgeons. From shaping international examinations to mentoring trainees worldwide, Dr. Singh embodies the very […]

OSWI 2026 Is Heading To Barbados

🌴✨ OSWI 2026 is heading to Barbados! ✨🌴 Get ready for an unforgettable experience at one of the Caribbean’s most iconic destinations 🇧🇧From 8–11 July 2026, join us at the Hilton Barbados Resort for three powerful days of world-class ophthalmic education, practical workshops, high-impact speakers, and meaningful networking with Caribbean and global leaders 👁️🌍 This […]

Examinations Q&A Webinar

Aspiring Ophthalmologists and eye care professionals — this one’s for you! 👀✨ Join us for our Examinations Q&A Webinar on Tuesday 13 January, 6–7 PM AST and get all your questions answered live. Scan the QR code or register via the link on the flyer today!

OSWI 2026 ->Neuro-Ophthalmology: Where Vision Meets the Brain

🧠👁 Neuro-Ophthalmology: Where Vision Meets the Brain At OSWI 2026, we dive deep into the complex intersection of neurology and ophthalmology — exploring how the brain shapes, interprets, and protects the gift of sight. From optic nerve disorders to visual pathway diseases, this session brings together leading experts to unlock new understanding, sharpen diagnostic skills, […]

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