Ophthalmology (Vision Care)

The Department of Ophthalmology provides comprehensive primary, secondary, and tertiary eye-care services, with a mission to deliver free, safe, equitable, and accessible care to all. Our focus is on the prevention of avoidable blindness and the management of both common and complex ophthalmic conditions affecting adults and children across Guyana.

Your Care Options

East Street Entrance, GPHC Compound, Georgetown
Mon-Fri (Ophthalmology Dept)
8:00 am - 04:00 pm
Mon - Fri (Vision Centre)
8:00 am - 4:00 pm (Closed at 12:00 pm-1:00 pm)
Appointment needed for Vision Centre.
  • Cataract Services

    Diagnosis and management of cataract, offering both phacoemulsification and manual small incision cataract surgeries.

  • Glaucoma Services

    Comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis of glaucoma. Medical and surgical management of glaucoma.

  • Diagnostic and Imaging Services

    Ultrasound of the Eye (B-Scan), Pachymetry, Retinal/Fundus Photography, Optical Coherence Tomography (retina, macula and optic nerve head), Ultrasound and Optical Biometry.

  • Emergency Eye Care

    24-hour emergency coverage for acute eye conditions, repair of eye injuries, and management of chemical or blunt trauma.

  • Paediatric (Children) Ophthalmology

    Screening for Paediatric Eye Conditions, Retinopathy of Prematurity Screening, Paediatric Eye Surgeries (Strabismus, Paediatric Cataract and Paediatric Glaucoma Surgery).

  • Oculoplastic and Cornea Services

    Oculoplastic Surgical Services (Eyelid Disorders and Ocular Tumours) and intermittent Corneal transplant procedures (Penetrating Keratoplasty).

  • Diabetic Retinopathy & Vitreo-Retinal Services

    Medical Retina Service (Diagnosis and management of Retinal Disorders, Laser procedures, Intravitreal Injections), Vitreo-Retinal Surgical Service (Vitrectomy and Retinal Detachment Repair)

  • Laser Services

    Glaucoma Lasers (Laser Peripheral Iridotomy); Retinal Lasers (Pan-retinal and focal laser photocoagulation, Retinopexy); Post-Cataract Laser (YAG Posterior Capsulotomy).

  • Diabetic Eye Centre

    Screening and Diagnosis of Diabetic Retinopathy.

    In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, GPHC has established 4 (four) Diabetic Eye Centres in Guyana:
    • GPHC (227-5519)
    • Enmore Regional Hospital (270-0008)
    • Lusignan Diabetic Comprehensive Care Centre (500-0768)
    • Port Mourant National Ophthalmology Hospital (336-6499).
  • Optometry Services

    Refraction and prescription of Spectacles and Optical Aids; Primary Eye Care and Screening for Eye Diseases; Health Education and Vision Screening Outreaches.

Our Team's Expertise

Dr. Shailendra Sugrim
Head of Department

Dr. Sugrim is a graduate of the University of Guyana, School of Medicine who completed his Bachelors of Medicine and Surgery in 2001. He completed his three-year Ophthalmology training in 2009; one year Glaucoma Fellowship in 2010; and Masters in Surgery (Clinical Ophthalmology) in 2017. He currently works as Consultant Ophthalmologist and Glaucoma Specialist and also lectures. He is integrally involved in Guyana’s Visual and Eye Health Services for the past 15 years and is an advisor/coordinator to the Ministry of Health

Our team brings together highly trained eye-care professionals who combine clinical precision with compassionate service:

  • Ophthalmologists

    Specialists trained in medical and surgical eye care, with sub-specialisations in glaucoma, retina, cornea, and oculoplastics.

  • Optometrists

    Experts in primary eye care, refraction, and screening for diabetic retinopathy and other conditions.

  • Ophthalmic Nurses

    Provide pre- and post-operative care, patient education, and assistance in clinics and wards.

  • Ophthalmic Surgical Technicians

    Support surgeons in theatre, ensuring safety and precision during all ophthalmic procedures.