Speakers Bios

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 Medical Centre, University of Nottingham since 1994, Consultant Ophthalmologist, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Honorary Professor at Universita della Svizze, Lugano, since 2010 and Honorary Professor at the Research Institute of Ophthalmology, Cairo since 2024. His subspecialty interest is cornea and ocular surface. He is involved in training, education and research and has published close to 500 papers with an H-index of 83. His discovery of the pre-Descemet’s layer (Dua’s layer) in 2013, in the human cornea has had a considerable impact on lamellar corneal surgery and corneal pathology.

Dr. Josh Ramkissoon

Graduated from Mt Hope, St Augustine UWI with MBBS in 2007

Fellowship from Royal College of Ophthalmology London in November 2013 (FRCOphth )

1 year Cornea fellowship at McGill University ending July 2017.

Dr Jeanine Ramsahai, an alum of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. She is in year three of her postgraduate Ophthalmology training with the University of the West Indies St Augustine Campus.

Professor. Bernard YP Chang (Bernie) is a distinguished Ophthalmologist with 20 years experience as a consultant at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Specializing in oculoplastics, lacrimal, and orbital surgery. He was the 13th President of The Royal College of Ophthalmologists and an Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Leeds. He is an independent trustee at the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges. As a Visiting Professor of Ophthalmology (awarded by the University of Malaysia Sarawak), and through roles at the British Medical Association, MHRA, Eye Journal, and NHS England’s Outpatients Transformation Programme he has contributed to advancing the practice of ophthalmology. With 60+ articles, a textbook co-authorship, and active OSWI involvement, his influence is profound including internationally where he has been invited speaker in countries like Malaysia, Greece and Pakistan.

Dr Adesh Mahabir is a member of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists in London and a fellow of the Royal College of Glasgow. He obtained his fellowship in oculoplastics and strabismus at the University of Toronto. He is currently a consultant in ophthalmology at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Trinidad.

A native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Dr. Nathan W. Blessing graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in biology. He then pursued medical school and internship at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine in Oklahoma City, OK.
Dr. Blessing then completed his ophthalmology residency and a fellowship in ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, Florida. He returned home to Oklahoma to join the faculty of the Dean McGee Eye Institute from 2018 to 2021 and relocated back to Florida in 2021. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and specializes in all aspects of ophthalmic plastic, orbital, and reconstructive surgery in patients of all ages.

“My passion for ophthalmology began with an exciting and rewarding experience during my chosen year 4 elective. As a young medical student, I noticed a zealous joy that reading and practising ophthalmology gave me, much unlike any other speciality. And during these past few years of training in this field, it continues to be a source of fulfilment and inspiration to continue learning and growing as a doctor; with the ambition to meet, and hopefully exceed, the needs of all the patients I encounter.”

Dr Nilesh Persad is a Specialist Eye Surgeon and Physician. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow in Ophthalmology and a Fellow of the
International College of Ophthalmologists. He is also a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in Ophthalmology, a Member of the American Academy of
Ophthalmologists and a Member of the Pan American Association of Ophthalmology. Dr Persad completed his Subspecialty training in retina and uveitis at the prestigious retinaprogram at the University of Toronto in Canada. He has worked and trained in England,Canada and Trinidad and currently practices as an ophthalmologist and retina expert at
Port of Spain General Hospital and the Trinidad Diabetic Eye Centre in Vistabella.

Professor Lizette Mowatt is a graduate of the University of the West Indies, Mona. She did her Ophthalmology residency (CCST) and Vitreoretinal fellowship in the UK. She returned to UHWI, Jamaica in 2004. She is the DM Ophthalmology Residency Programme Director, Professor of Ophthalmology (UWI), Head of the Ophthalmology Division, and Consultant Vitreoretinal Surgeon at the UHWI. She teaches and examines at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. She is the immediate Past President of the Ophthalmological Society of Jamaica (OSJ) and a Past President of the Ophthalmological Society of the West Indies (OSWI). Her research at the UHWI includes Diabetic Retinopathy, Sickle Cell Retinopathy, and Retinopathy of Prematurity.

Dr. Krystal Bharath is a graduate of the University of the West Indies, where she completed her Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery degree in 2010. She also completed her fellowship in  Ophthalmology with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow in 2019.

She has spent the past eight years at the San Fernando General Hospital, where she holds a post of Registrar in Ophthalmology. At the San Fernando General Hospital, she is also the department coordinator for Corneal Services. 

Currently, she is a member of the Ophthalmological Society of Trinidad and Tobago and Secretary for the society. She is also a member of the Ophthalmological Society of the West Indies and the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Dr Adesh Mahabir is a member of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists in London and a fellow of the Royal College of Glasgow. He obtained his fellowship in oculoplastics and strabismus at the University of Toronto. He is currently a consultant in ophthalmology at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Trinidad.

Professor. Bernard YP Chang (Bernie) is a distinguished Ophthalmologist with 20 years experience as a consultant at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Specializing in oculoplastics, lacrimal, and orbital surgery. He was the 13th President of The Royal College of Ophthalmologists and an Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Leeds. He is an independent trustee at the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges. As a Visiting Professor of Ophthalmology (awarded by the University of Malaysia Sarawak), and through roles at the British Medical Association, MHRA, Eye Journal, and NHS England’s Outpatients Transformation Programme he has contributed to advancing the practice of ophthalmology. With 60+ articles, a textbook co-authorship, and active OSWI involvement, his influence is profound including internationally where he has been invited speaker in countries like Malaysia, Greece and Pakistan.

A native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Dr. Nathan W. Blessing graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in biology. He then pursued medical school and internship at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine in Oklahoma City, OK.
Dr. Blessing then completed his ophthalmology residency and a fellowship in ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, Florida. He returned home to Oklahoma to join the faculty of the Dean McGee Eye Institute from 2018 to 2021 and relocated back to Florida in 2021. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and specializes in all aspects of ophthalmic plastic, orbital, and reconstructive surgery in patients of all ages.

Professor Lizette Mowatt is a graduate of the University of the West Indies, Mona. She did her Ophthalmology residency (CCST) and Vitreoretinal fellowship in the UK. She returned to UHWI, Jamaica in 2004. She is the DM Ophthalmology Residency Programme Director, Professor of Ophthalmology (UWI), Head of the Ophthalmology Division, and Consultant Vitreoretinal Surgeon at the UHWI. She teaches and examines at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. She is the immediate Past President of the Ophthalmological Society of Jamaica (OSJ) and a Past President of the Ophthalmological Society of the West Indies (OSWI). Her research at the UHWI includes Diabetic Retinopathy, Sickle Cell Retinopathy, and Retinopathy of Prematurity.

Dr. Janine Smith-Marshall is an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at the Howard University Hospital where she has served as Director of Pediatric ophthalmology and Strabismus since 2007.   Dr. Smith-Marshall received her medical degree from the University of Maryland College of Medicine. She completed an Internship in Internal Medicine at Sinai Hopkins and a Residency in Ophthalmology at the University Hospitals of Cleveland.  This was followed by a fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus at University of Wisconsin Madison under the tutelage of Dr. Burton Kushner.  She was on faculty at SUNY Downstate Medical Center before returning to the DC area.

Dr. Smith-Marshall loves teaching and enjoys taking the time to teach medical students and residents as well as to educate her patients and their families about their ocular conditions. Dr. Smith-Marshall has an interest in international medicine and has participated in numerous ophthalmic medical and surgical missions in India, Africa and Central America.

Dr. Smith-Marshall delivers humanistic and compassionate care to her pediatric and adult patients in Washington DC and Prince Georges County Maryland.  She has expertise in all areas of pediatric ophthalmology including the medical and surgical treatment of refractive error, amblyopia, strabismus, diplopia and cranial nerve palsies, inflammatory diseases of the eye, ocular trauma, nasolacrimal duct obstruction, pediatric cataracts, pathology of the eyelid and orbit, and retinal disorders such as retinopathy of prematurity.

Arindel Maharaj is an Associate Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology at the University of Miami. He specializes in glaucoma and cataract surgery and is an innovator in novel approaches to glaucoma surgery. Originally from Trinidad, he received an MD and PhD at Harvard Medical School, followed by residency at Baylor College of Medicine and then a glaucoma fellowship at Bascom Palmer. He has been a faculty at Bascom Palmer since 2014. He has authored over 20 publications, has trained dozens of medical students and 18 glaucoma fellows. He has been a leader with the Florida Glaucoma Society, and the Florida Society of Ophthalmology. He has been an invited speaker at many national and international conferences. He has been a member of OSWI since 2014 and has worked closely with OSWI leadership to forge a collaboration with BPEI and the Caribbean to provide training, research and clinical collaboration.

Ms. Desirée Murray is a Lecturer in Ophthalmology at the University of the West Indies and Honorary Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at the Port of Spain General Hospital, Trinidad and Tobago. She trained at the Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre, UK, where she undertook fellowships in both vitreoretinal surgery and glaucoma. She also holds a Masters degree in Public Health for Eye Care from the University of London, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. 

She practised as a dual-specialty vitreoretinal and glaucoma consultant for 6 years, before focusing her attention on the prevention of avoidable blindness from glaucoma. She is the first author of a landmark paper on clinical outcomes of mitomycin C trabeculectomy in an indigenous African Caribbean population, the 12th publication of the ReGAE (Research into Glaucoma And Ethnicity) series. She co-authored the IAPB (International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness) Essential List for Glaucoma. 

Desirée is the co-founder of the West Indian Society of Glaucoma Surgeons (WINGS) and co-founder and sitting chairperson of the Volunteers for World Sight Day, an NGO which raises awareness about the prevention of avoidable blindness. 

Dr. Kaiawa Clarke is an ophthalmologist, with special interest in glaucoma, who graduated from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine campus, with a Doctor of Medicine in Ophthalmology in 2021. He is a fellow of The Royal College of Ophthalmologists London (FRCOphth), the International Council of Ophthalmology (FICO), and a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh (MRCSEd Ophthalmology). Dr. Clarke is passionate about advancing research and expertise in the field and is dedicated to making meaningful contributions as a young ophthalmologist.

“Dr. Vachel Luces is from Champs Fleurs, Trinidad and Tobago. He has worked in Ophthalmology at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital since 2011, and held a senior registrar position there since 2014. He is now a qualified ophthalmologist after attaining Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow in 2019.”

Dr. Camara Brown completed MBBS at the UWI Mona Campus. She completed her FRCS in 2012 subsequently travelling to the UK for subspecialty training in both Medical Retina and Glaucoma. 

She returned to Jamaica and was appointed to lead the Glaucoma subspecialty clinic at the Kingston Public Hospital in 2018. Dr. Brown is currently the clinical lead of the Jamaica Eye Study- in collaboration with Dr Jessica Cooke Bailey and Dr Michael Hauser. The study focuses on Afro-Caribbean patients, investigating the clinical, socio-economic and  prognostic features of glaucoma in Jamaica. 

Since then she has presented locally and internationally:  at the  World Ophthalmology Congress 2022, the American Public Health Association conference 2022, International Society of Eye Research 2023, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology 2024. 

Dr. Brown’s goal is to increase awareness of this serious and sight threatening condition both within our region and internationally.  

She served as treasurer of the Ophthalmological Society of Jamaica from 2019 to 2024 and is the current AAO/PAAO LDP delegate representing OSWI. She has a fierce commitment to community and collaborates with various charitable societies and Non Govermental organisations- most recently the Jamaica Society for the Blind.  In her spare time Dr. Brown enjoys  cooking with her family, reading, hiking, visiting museums and doing pilates.

Sander R. Dubovy, M.D. is a Professor of Ophthalmology and Pathology and holds the Victor T. Curtin Chair of Ophthalmology at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Board-certified in both ophthalmology and anatomic pathology, he serves as the medical director of the Florida Lions Eye Bank and Ocular Pathology Laboratory. Clinically, he cares for patients with diseases of the retina, macula and vitreous. He completed an ophthalmology residency at the University of Chicago and a pathology residency at Columbia University. He served as an ophthalmic pathology fellow at the Wilmer Eye Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, served as a special fellow in ophthalmic pathology at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, and as medical retina at the Moorfields Eye Hospital/Institute of Ophthalmology in London. He lectures and teaches ophthalmic pathology at universities throughout the country. His research interests include clinicopathologic correlation of ophthalmic disease entities, diagnostic ophthalmic pathology and treatments as well as macular diseases, including age-related macular degeneration and retinal occlusive disease.

Basil K. Williams, Jr. M.D. is an associate professor of clinical ophthalmology and Bascom Palmer’s vice chair for diversity, equity, and inclusion. A board-certified specialist in retinal diseases and ocular oncology, Williams comes to Miami from Cincinnati where he was the Mary Knight Asbury Chair of Ocular Oncology and associate professor of clinical ophthalmology at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center; a vitreoretinal specialist, ocular oncologist, and director of the retinoblastoma program at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center; and a vitreoretinal diseases specialist and surgeon at the Cincinnati Eye Institute. Williams received a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Yale University and received his medical degree from the Chicago Medical School. Following his transitional year internship at Resurrection Medical Center, Williams completed a residency in ophthalmology as well as a surgical retinal fellowship at Bascom Palmer, both preceding his tenure as the Institute’s chief resident. The following year he completed an ocular oncology fellowship at Wills Eye Hospital. His research interests include vitreoretinal diseases and surgery, as well as adult and pediatric surface and intraocular tumors. A member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, Williams has received numerous teaching awards including the Medical Student Educator of the Year from the University of Cincinnati, the William Tasman M.D. Outstanding Fellow Teaching Award from Wills Eye Hospital, and Fellow of the Year Award from Bascom Palmer.

Maura Di Nicola, MD is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, who specializes in adult and pediatric ocular oncology, uveitis, and retinal diseases. She received her medical degree and completed her ophthalmology residency training in Milan, Italy. She completed fellowships in ocular oncology at Wills Eye Hospital and University of Cincinnati. She subsequently completed an additional fellowship in uveitis and medical retina at University of Illinois in Chicago. She is the current vice president of the PanAmerican Ocular Oncology Society. Her research interests include diagnosis and treatment of adult and pediatric tumors, ocular inflammatory diseases, as well as retinal diseases, with a focus on multimodal imaging.

Dr. Krystal Bharath is a graduate of the University of the West Indies, where she completed her Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery degree in 2010. She also completed her fellowship in  Ophthalmology with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow in 2019.

She has spent the past eight years at the San Fernando General Hospital, where she holds a post of Registrar in Ophthalmology. At the San Fernando General Hospital, she is also the department coordinator for Corneal Services. 

Currently, she is a member of the Ophthalmological Society of Trinidad and Tobago and Secretary for the society. She is also a member of the Ophthalmological Society of the West Indies and the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Dr. Karl Golnik is Professor at the Barrow Neuroscience Institute, Creighton University and the University of Arizona. He has received the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s Lifetime Achievement award, the North American Neuro-ophthalmology Society’s Merit Award and more than 10 teaching awards throughout his career. He has given more than 1000 invited neuro-ophthalmology and medical education lectures in more than 75 countries and has over 150 publications in these fields. He is a member of the American Ophthalmological Society, the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis and he currently serves as a Board member and Chair for Education of the Ophthalmology Foundation.

Dr. Vandana Persad graduated in the year 2017 from the University of the West Indies where she attained a Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (M.B.B.S) 

She is a fifth-year resident in the Doctor of Medicine, Ophthalmology Programme at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine. She has completed the SOAR Fellowship at the University of Miami. She works at North West Regional Health Authority and is keenly interested in Pediatric Glaucoma. 

Dr. Tarini Mahase received her medical degree (MBBS) from the University of the West Indies (St. Augustine Campus) in the year 2020. Since then, she has been working as a House Officer at the Port-of- Spain General Hospital in the Department of Ophthalmology for the last two years. She has had the privilege of working closely with specialized Consultant Ophthalmologists, one of whom is specialized in corneal pathology and transplants. She submitted a poster for presentation for OSWI 2022 in Antigua and presented a poster at OSWI 2023 in Miami.

Dr. Rajiv Seeemongal-Dass B.Medsci (UWI) MB;BS (UWI)

Rajiv Seemongal-Dass is a medical doctor who graduated from the University of the West Indies, Mona in 2020. He is currently pursuing post graduate studies with an interest in Ophthalmology.

Dr. Jordan Forde is a committed Locum Senior House Officer at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados, working in the Ophthalmology Department for the past 18 months. Originally pursuing medicine in Jamaica, his interest in Ophthalmology was sparked by shadowing his cousin, a consultant ophthalmologist. Raised in rural Barbados amidst family members grappling with ocular diseases, he developed a personal connection to the field. Dr. Forde’s passion is evident in his dedication to studying surgical videos in his spare time. His upbringing has instilled in him a profound understanding of the impact of eye conditions on individuals and communities. As he advances in his career, Dr. Forde remains focused on patient care and personal growth, embracing a holistic approach to his professional and personal life.

Dr. Iton’s passion for ophthalmology was sparked during her MBBS studies at The University of The West Indies, Mona Campus, where she graduated with Honours in Surgery. Her enthusiasm later led her to pursue a Masters in Public Health for Eye Care at The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, igniting her keen interest in public health ophthalmology. During her time there she was fortunate to have had the experience of volunteering as a workshop demonstrator at the Annual Student and Trainee Ophthalmology Conference at The Royal Society of Medicine, London. She also visited the Royal National Institute of Blindness (RNIB) and was tremendously inspired to one day bring something similar home to Trinidad and Tobago. She has done volunteer work for The Trinidad and Tobago Blind Welfare Association and hopes to continue to work with them in the future. She has presented at OSWI in the past and is honoured to be returning once more.

Dr. Jewel Baird is a young doctor, new to the glorious field of ophthalmology, who is committed to balancing and enjoying her life while exploring and learning as much as she can as she works in her dream specialty. She hopes that with hard work, dedication and a whole lot of patience, she can one day become a Pediatric Ophthalmologist. 

Dr. Bibitayo Fagbola BMedSci, M.B.,B.S

RESEARCH FELLOW AT TRINIDAD EYE HOSPITAL

Dr Fagbola graduated from the University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica. Her desire to be an Ophthalmologist led her to join the team at Trinidad Eye Hospital, which she believes will provide a strong foundation.

She hopes to subspecialize in Oculoplastics and better integrate this field in Trinidad & Tobago and the wider Caribbean; especially after seeing the lack of awareness and limited resources particular to this field in our population.

She is also interested in clinical research and trials and hopes to be involved in many that can positively impact future eye health and care.

Dr. Leshaya Maraj, MBBS (Hons)

I graduated from University of West Indies (St. Augustine Campus) in 2018. I first developed a keen interest in Ophthalmology during my medical school career, after completing my elective in the field. Following internship, I joined the Ophthalmology Department at Port of Spain General Hospital, Trinidad and Tobago, where we deal with a number of ophthalmologic complexities including; non- resolving corneal ulceration, advanced glaucoma and severe diabetic retinopathy as well as, cases of Retinopathy of Prematurity at our local NICU. As an aspiring ophthalmologist, I wish to cultivate my skills to provide targeted therapy to our enlarging glaucoma patient cohort.

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Resident doctor in Ophthalmology department at Scarborough General Hospital, Tobago.  Currently been working in the department for over 3 yrs. Happily married and mother of two.

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I am originally from Canada, where I graduated summa cum laude from McMaster University with a degree in Honours Life Sciences. I am a 4th-year medical student at St. George’s University School of Medicine.  My interest in medicine and global health started when I witnessed the lack of healthcare equality and accessibility during my visit to my parents’ homeland, Vietnam. My passion for ophthalmology sparked after my mother’s Pterygium surgeries and further developed through the years as an ophthalmic technician. Through these experiences, I have been motivated to tackle barriers to vision care access locally and globally. I am currently the Teleophthalmology Research Fellow at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, Florida, where I hope to advance patient care and medical education through extended reality technologies, focusing on virtual reality. Since starting this research fellowship, my passion for ophthalmology, global health, and vision health disparities has only grown.

Renuka Ramoutar is a medical doctor who graduated from the University of the West Indies,
St. Augustine in 2020 and is currently pursuing postgraduate studies with a special interest
in ophthalmology.

Dr. Zahrid Mohammed is a young medical doctor who possesses a strong background in medical research and publication. He graduated from the University of the West Indies with a passion for continuous learning and development. Some of his publications appear in the Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health and International Journal of Medical Sciences and Biotechnology.

 Currently, he is a resident at Trinidad Eye Hospital (TEH) where his pursuance of patient care and well-being is coupled with passion for ophthalmology and research. His latest presentations include Coat’s Disease and Cystoid Macular Edema at “Latest updates in Ophthalmology Subspecialty Conference” 2020.

Dr. Mohammed is diligently pursuing the mission of the Trinidad Eye Hospital working alongside Dr. Bhola and our team of medical practitioners to deliver high-quality service to all patients. TEH is honoured to have Dr. Mohammed on board and is excited to have him be an active contributor and future leader on the eyecare transformation journey in our country and region. 

Dr. Rajiv Seeemongal-Dass 

B.Medsci (UWI) MB;BS (UWI)

Rajiv Seemongal-Dass is a medical doctor who graduated from the University of the West Indies, Mona. His primary focus is Ophthalmology, with additional interests in research and myopia management.

Dr. Maynard D. McIntosh MBBS; DO (UWI)
Resident Ophthalmologist St. Joseph’s Hospital Kingston, Jamaica
Director / Ophthalmologist: Eyelite Optical Jamaica; Ophthalmic Suites
National Classifier (Blind Sports) for Jamaica Paralympic Association
Member OSWI; OSJ; AAO; MAJ

Dr. McIntosh is a graduate of the University of the West Indies who has garnered his range of surgical skills through collaborative surgical programs conducted by Faculty from Europe, the UK, the United States, Dominican Republic, and South Africa. His unique approach to learning and education saw him being a pioneer locally in small incision Phaco Cataract Surgery, Minimally invasive Glaucoma procedures, and several modalities of non-surgical management of diabetic retinopathy.

Dr. McIntosh was instrumental in the resuscitation of the Opthalmological Society of Jamaica on which he served as Secretary for four years during which he participated in the planning and delivery of public and professional education programs. Through his Company Eyelite Optical Dr. McIntosh has for over six years, conducted island-wide vision screening in schools and institutions, providing free and sponsored eyewear as well as surgical care to many children and adults.

On the field he continues to display versatility and discipline, with over fifteen years of national representation as a masters athletes, specializing in the 100m and 200m sprints, for which he has garnered the prestigious Penn Relays Winnner’s plaque in 2013, and many medals at indoor and outdoor international meets. He still remains a world ranked masters athlete and physical training enthusiast.

Major interests: Anterior segment; Cataract [PHACO (refractive) Surgery], PK; LASIK; and Glaucoma

Publications: Glaucoma, Basic and Clinical Aspects

Strategies for Neuroprotection in Glaucoma

Symposiums and presentations at OSJ and OSWI

Philanthropic involvement: Jamaica Outreach Project Volunteer; Lion’s Club of Clarendon

National Classifier (Jamaica)/:: International Blind Sports Association (IBSA)

Co-curricular interests: Elite Masters track athlete and physical trainer; Landscape design; Interior Decorating; Gourmet cooking

Coming Soon

Dr. Debra Bartholomew, MBBS

With over two decades of experience in ophthalmology, Dr. Debra Bartholomew has made significant contributions both in Trinidad and Tobago and the UK. Her career includes seven years as a registrar in Ophthalmology, where she honed her expertise and passion for eye health.

Dr. Bartholomew is a fervent advocate for diabetes awareness and patient education. She has become a familiar face in local media, speaking on the effects of diabetes on eye health, and has traveled across the country delivering talks in partnership with the Diabetes Association of Trinidad and Tobago. Her collaboration with the Lions Association has also been impactful, leading numerous vision screening initiatives, health education programs, and cataract surgery projects.

In 2014, she played a pivotal role in the National Eye Survey of Trinidad and Tobago, a groundbreaking project being the first of its kind in the country and only the second in the Caribbean. Her work on this survey was showcased at the ARVO conference in 2018.

Dr. Bartholomew’s commitment to education extends to academia, where she has trained optometry students in clinical skills at the University of the West Indies Optometry program. Her dedication to patient education, particularly for those living with diabetes, has been recognized with multiple awards at the annual OSWI Conference, where she placed 3rd in 2016 and 1st in both 2017 and 2019.

Currently affiliated with the Caribbean Eye Institute and having worked with the Trinidad Eye Hospital for several years, Dr. Bartholomew continues to influence the field of ophthalmology. Beyond her medical practice, she is deeply involved in supporting parents of autistic children as a parent consultant. Her insights and compassion make her a sought-after speaker at workshops and webinars, covering a broad range of topics from eye health and wellness to autism parent support and advocacy.

Dr. Bartholomew’s multifaceted contributions and her unwavering commitment to improving lives through education and healthcare make her a distinguished figure in her field.

Dr. Bibitayo Fagbola BMedSci, M.B.,B.S

RESEARCH FELLOW AT TRINIDAD EYE HOSPITAL

Dr Fagbola graduated from the University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica.

Her desire to be an Ophthalmologist led her to join the team at Trinidad Eye Hospital, which she believes will
provide a strong foundation.

She hopes to subspecialize in Oculoplastics and better integrate this field in Trinidad & Tobago and the wider
Caribbean; especially after seeing the lack of awareness and limited resources particular to this field in our
population.

She is also interested in clinical research and trials and hopes to be involved in many that can positively impact
future eye health and care.

Roberto Alejandro Guerra García, was born in Cuba on September 13, 1977. He obtained the medicical degree in 2002. After graduating got the opportunity to work as a general practitioner in Cuba and Guatemala until 2005, period in which he obtained   the family medicine degree.

That same year he began the residency in ophthalmology at the “Ramón Pando Ferrer” Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology in Havana, graduating as an ophthalmologist in 2007. That same year he began the retina-vitreous fellowship at this same hospital, which was finished in 2009, then becoming part of the Vitreo-Retina Service of the Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology, being a vitreoretinal surgeon and reaching the second degree in Ophthalmology in 2011.

While in this center he worked for considerable period of time in the Republic of Algeria, Saint Lucia and El Salvador, being part of the National Group (Cuban) of Ocular Trauma. Having accumulated experience in vitreoretinal surgery and ocular trauma, these are his main lines of research, having multiple national and international publications on these topics.

He is currently on private practice at Vision Express Medical Saint Lucia.

I am originally from Canada, where I graduated summa cum laude from McMaster University with a degree in Honours Life Sciences. I am a 4th-year medical student at St. George’s University School of Medicine.  My interest in medicine and global health started when I witnessed the lack of healthcare equality and accessibility during my visit to my parents’ homeland, Vietnam. My passion for ophthalmology sparked after my mother’s Pterygium surgeries and further developed through the years as an ophthalmic technician. Through these experiences, I have been motivated to tackle barriers to vision care access locally and globally. I am currently the Teleophthalmology Research Fellow at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, Florida, where I hope to advance patient care and medical education through extended reality technologies, focusing on virtual reality. Since starting this research fellowship, my passion for ophthalmology, global health, and vision health disparities has only grown.

Dr. Cowan was educated at Syracuse University, BA then at Howard University College of Medicine, MD. He received his Post Graduate Training at Hospital of the Medical College of Pennsylvania, Internship, Freedmen’s Hospital/Howard University Hospital, Residency in Ophthalmology. His Fellowship at Wilmer Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Fluorescein Angiography and Neuro-Ophthalmology, Wilmer Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, External Disease and Anterior Segment Surgery, Wilmer Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Retinal Vascular Diseases, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, MPH.

He held previous positions as Chief, Division of Ophthalmology, Howard University Hospital and College of Medicine, Board of Directors, American Academy of Ophthalmology, Chief, Ophthalmology Section, Washington, DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Acting Associate Chief of Staff for Education, Washington, DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chair, Washington, DC Diabetes Steering Committee, Member, Data Safety Monitoring Committee, Ocular Hypertension Treatment Trial, and Deputy Director, Defense and Veterans Vision Center of Excellence.

Currently he is Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology, Georgetown University Medical Center

Staff Physician, Washington, DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Board of Directors, American Board of Ophthalmology.

Dr. Ramoutar is a Vitreoretinal Surgeon, having undertaken a Fellowship in Vitreoretinal Surgery at
the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, UK (2020-2023). He pursued his undergraduate degree
(MBBS) at the University of the West Indies (Trinidad) and completed the Fellowship in Ophthalmology
of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow in 2018. He also holds a Masters in Business
Administration in Hospitals and Health Services Management (2023) from the University of
Bedfordshire.
Dr Ramoutar is involved in teaching and examining undergraduate students at the University of
Leicester Medical School and, in addition to Medical Education, has further interests in Health Care
Systems Management and the applications of Artificial Intelligence in Ophthalmology.
Personal interests include aviation.

Professor. Bernard YP Chang (Bernie) is a distinguished Ophthalmologist with 20 years experience as a consultant at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Specializing in oculoplastics, lacrimal, and orbital surgery. He was the 13th President of The Royal College of Ophthalmologists and an Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Leeds. He is an independent trustee at the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges. As a Visiting Professor of Ophthalmology (awarded by the University of Malaysia Sarawak), and through roles at the British Medical Association, MHRA, Eye Journal, and NHS England’s Outpatients Transformation Programme he has contributed to advancing the practice of ophthalmology. With 60+ articles, a textbook co-authorship, and active OSWI involvement, his influence is profound including internationally where he has been invited speaker in countries like Malaysia, Greece and Pakistan.

Dr. Deo Singh. MB, BS (UWI); DO (Lon.); FRCS (Lon.); FRCOphth. (UK).

Founder, team leader of The Caribbean Eye Institute (CEI) and Consultant Ophthalmologist at Caribbean Eye Institute, Trinidad and Tobago. He is a recipient of Scholarship in1968 – University of the West Indies, Open Scholar. His Diplomas include MB, BS – University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica, Diploma of Ophthalmology (DO) – London, Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS – Ophthalmology) of England and Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists – UK. Training in Ophthalmology: General Hospital, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, Royal College of Surgeons, London, clinical attachments and locum jobs, UK, Moorfield’s Eye Hospital, London, UK, East Surrey Hospital, Redhill, Surrey, England and St George’s Hospital, Blackshaw Rd, Tooting, London SW17, England.

He is an Associate Lecturer, Optometry, University of the West Indies, Trinidad. His Areas of Interest are General Ophthalmology, Cataract, Cornea – keratoconus and corneal transplants, Glaucoma, Laser Refractive Surgery. Voluntary organizations are Rotary club of St. Augustine, District 7030, past president 2004 – 2005; 2011 – 2012. Some of his Professional Milestones are Intra Ocular Lens cataract surgery in February 1984, First Consensual donor PK in Trinidad 1986, A-Scan Biometry in Cataract Surgery- 1986, Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery – 1996, Laser Refractive Surgery (with Dr. Anirudh Mahabir) – 2001, IOL Master Biometry – 2003, Optical Coherence Tomography – 2003, Digital Retinal Photography – 2005, Amniotic Membrane Grafts for Pterygium – 2006, Corneal Crosslinking Keratoconus – 2008, DSAEK and DALK – 2011, INTACS Surgery for Keratoconus – 2011, Temporary Keratoprosrhesis in combined anterior segment and vitreoretinal surgery (with Dr. Rishi Sharma) – 2016.

Graduated from Mt. Hope, St. Augustine, UWI with an MBBS in 2007.
Fellowship from the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, London, in November 2013 (FRCOphth).
One-year cornea fellowship at McGill University, ending in July 2017.

Rajrishi Sharma UK MB CHB, BSC (HONS), FRCPS (GLAS), FRCOPHTH A UK trained Ophthalmologist specializing in Vitreretinal Surgery. During his specialist training at the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavillion in Edinburgh, Scotland, he helped set up the first Vitreoretinal service in Lillongwe, Malawi. On completion of this he returned home to set up the first Hospital Vitreoretinal service in Trinidad and DTobago. He continues to provide Vitreoretinal care to patients on both islands as well as being involved in training junior doctors and allied health care professionals at both the undergrad and post graduate levels.

Professor Lizette Mowatt is a graduate of the University of the West Indies, Mona. She did her Ophthalmology residency (CCST) and Vitreoretinal fellowship in the UK. She returned to UHWI, Jamaica in 2004. She is the DM Ophthalmology Residency Programme Director, Professor of Ophthalmology (UWI), Head of the Ophthalmology Division, and Consultant Vitreoretinal Surgeon at the UHWI. She teaches and examines at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. She is the immediate Past President of the Ophthalmological Society of Jamaica (OSJ) and a Past President of the Ophthalmological Society of the West Indies (OSWI). Her research at the UHWI includes Diabetic Retinopathy, Sickle Cell Retinopathy, and Retinopathy of Prematurity.

Dr Benskin obtained his primary medical degree at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica and Barbados. His ophthalmic career started in The Ophthalmology Department at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital during the period 1998-2000. Dr. Benskin completed his training in the UK in Ophthalmology where he Worked and studied exclusively in ophthalmology departments the United Kingdom.

Vitreo-retinal Retinal Fellowships were completed at The University Hospital Leicester and Wirral University Teaching Hospital .He then Returned to Barbados in 2007 and started the Vitreo-retinal service . This caters to the public of Barbados and also numerous patients from the Caribbean and is the only such service in the Eastern Caribbean.

Dr. Ramoutar is a Vitreoretinal Surgeon, having undertaken a Fellowship in Vitreoretinal Surgery at
the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, UK (2020-2023). He pursued his undergraduate degree
(MBBS) at the University of the West Indies (Trinidad) and completed the Fellowship in Ophthalmology
of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow in 2018. He also holds a Masters in Business
Administration in Hospitals and Health Services Management (2023) from the University of
Bedfordshire.
Dr Ramoutar is involved in teaching and examining undergraduate students at the University of
Leicester Medical School and, in addition to Medical Education, has further interests in Health Care
Systems Management and the applications of Artificial Intelligence in Ophthalmology.
Personal interests include aviation.

Basil K. Williams, Jr. M.D. is an associate professor of clinical ophthalmology and Bascom Palmer’s vice chair for diversity, equity, and inclusion. A board-certified specialist in retinal diseases and ocular oncology, Williams comes to Miami from Cincinnati where he was the Mary Knight Asbury Chair of Ocular Oncology and associate professor of clinical ophthalmology at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center; a vitreoretinal specialist, ocular oncologist, and director of the retinoblastoma program at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center; and a vitreoretinal diseases specialist and surgeon at the Cincinnati Eye Institute. Williams received a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Yale University and received his medical degree from the Chicago Medical School. Following his transitional year internship at Resurrection Medical Center, Williams completed a residency in ophthalmology as well as a surgical retinal fellowship at Bascom Palmer, both preceding his tenure as the Institute’s chief resident. The following year he completed an ocular oncology fellowship at Wills Eye Hospital. His research interests include vitreoretinal diseases and surgery, as well as adult and pediatric surface and intraocular tumors. A member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, Williams has received numerous teaching awards including the Medical Student Educator of the Year from the University of Cincinnati, the William Tasman M.D. Outstanding Fellow Teaching Award from Wills Eye Hospital, and Fellow of the Year Award from Bascom Palmer.

I am native of Trinidad and Tobago and completed my medical school at UWI in Kingston, Jamaica in 2015. SInce then I have pursued a career in ophthalmology and was fortunate to complete my residency at Howard University Hospital in Washington, D.C. in 2022. Given my interest in vitreoretinal surgery, I pursued a vitreoretinal fellowship at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston Texas. Some of my research interests include evaluation and management of retinal artery occlusions in the emergency department and use of artificial intelligence in ophthalmology. In my free time, I like to relax with my wife and son and watch all types of interesting documentaries.

Coming soon

CEO & Eye Surgeon at Caribbean Vitreous & Retina Surgery Ltd (CVRS) & Chairman of Trinidad Eye Hospital (TEH)

Dr. Ronnie Bhola was born in Trinidad and did his MBBS degree at UWI, Jamaica.  

After several years of service in the public hospitals in Trinidad and Tobago, he completed his studies and qualified as a consultant with sub-specialty training in Vitreous and Retina Surgery, in the UK.

He is a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh), and holds a Certificate of Completion of Higher Specialist Training from the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (London).
 
Since he started practicing in 2009, he has done over five thousand retina surgeries, as well as ten thousand cataract surgeries and many other eye surgery procedures. He opened his Private Practice, Caribbean Vitreous & Retina Surgery Ltd. in 2011 and founded the Non-Profit organization; Trinidad Eye Hospital in 2016.
 
He is the Vice President of the Ophthalmological Society of the West Indies (OSWI), the Public Relations Officer for the Ophthalmological Society of Trinidad & Tobago and an Adjunct Professor with the Moran Eye Center.  In previous years, as an Associate Lecturer in Ophthalmology at The University of the West Indies.

Dr. Bhola is passionate about learning, development and knowledge sharing as it relates to research and surgical techniques. This is evidenced by his more than fifty peer-reviewed publications and numerous conference presentations both regionally and internationally.

Although his surgical talent has been endorsed by many leading eye care institutions throughout the world, his biggest accolades come from his patients with many of them praising him for his surgical gentility and the quality of care that they receive.

Maura Di Nicola, MD is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, who specializes in adult and pediatric ocular oncology, uveitis, and retinal diseases. She received her medical degree and completed her ophthalmology residency training in Milan, Italy. She completed fellowships in ocular oncology at Wills Eye Hospital and University of Cincinnati. She subsequently completed an additional fellowship in uveitis and medical retina at University of Illinois in Chicago. She is the current vice president of the PanAmerican Ocular Oncology Society. Her research interests include diagnosis and treatment of adult and pediatric tumors, ocular inflammatory diseases, as well as retinal diseases, with a focus on multimodal imaging.

Dr Nilesh Persad is a Specialist Eye Surgeon and Physician. He is a Fellow of the Royal
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow in Ophthalmology and a Fellow of the
International College of Ophthalmologists. He is also a Member of the Royal College of
Surgeons of Edinburgh in Ophthalmology, a Member of the American Academy of
Ophthalmologists and a Member of the Pan American Association of Ophthalmology. Dr
Persad completed his Subspecialty training in retina and uveitis at the prestigious retina
program at the University of Toronto in Canada. He has worked and trained in England,
Canada and Trinidad and currently practices as an ophthalmologist and retina expert at
Port of Spain General Hospital and the Trinidad Diabetic Eye Centre in Vistabella.