Eye Clinic launched at Doobay Gafoor Medical Centre to expand affordable care

The Doobay Gafoor Medical and Research Centre on Wednesday officially launched the Latchmin Kissoon and Family Eye Clinic, expanding its range of affordable healthcare services on the East Coast of Demerara.

The new eye clinic, located at the existing centre in Annandale, is aimed at providing accessible eye care, particularly for patients who may not be able to afford private medical services.

The Doobay Gafoor facility is already widely known for offering affordable healthcare, especially dialysis services, to residents along the East Coast of Demerara. The initiative is not-for-profit and forms part of ongoing efforts to ensure that quality healthcare is within reach for all.

Dhaman Kissoon explained that his family, who migrated from Canada in the early 1980s, felt compelled to give back after achieving their personal and professional goals.

“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 said.

He noted that after learning that a previous undertaking to provide funding for equipment was not fulfilled, the family stepped in to support the project.

“My mother’s name is Latchmin, light, vision and then we agreed to do the eye clinic,” Kissoon said.

Latchmin Kissoon expressed gratitude at being part of the initiative, noting that after 47 years in Canada, she and her seven children were honoured to contribute.

“I thank Dr Doobay for choosing me and my family for this occasion,” she said, adding that the goal is to help people achieve good health.

Meanwhile, ophthalmologist Dr Shailendra Sugrim said he was approached years ago to be part of the project and volunteered his services due to his close collaboration with Dr Doobay.

“We were happy to render the service to patients because we understand a lot of patients couldn’t afford to go to private hospitals.

“We will loan our expertise and continue to offer support and guidance,” Dr Sugrim said.
In addition to treatment, the clinic also aims to support medical research as part of the Centre’s broader mission.

The Latchmin Kissoon and Family Eye Clinic will operate Monday to Friday from 08:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs and Saturdays from 08:00 hrs to 13:00 hrs.