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THE HISTORY OF THE
OPHTHALMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE WEST INDIES
(OSWI)
The Ophthalmological Society of the West Indies was launched at our first Congress on June 1st - 3rd 1990 at the Wyndam Hotel in Kingston, Jamaica. Efforts were previously made at forming an “Association” of West Indian Ophthalmologists, one such involved Dr. Degazon (Jamaica), Dr. Ovid Johnson (Guyana) and Dr. Rajack (Trinidad).
Preparatory work for the current association began in October of 1989 when the founding members Dr. Henry St. John of Barbados, Drs. Hugh Vaughan and Winsome Hastings of Jamaica, Drs. Anirudh Mahabir and Deo Singh from Trinidad met under the auspices of Alcon Puerto Rico in Fort Worth, Texas. Billy Bob's Watering Hole proved the appropriate ambience and mental stimulation conducive to purposeful thought and action that led to a successful completion of the project.
Internet communication was in its infancy and so the founding members relied upon the mail, telephone and fax communication and finally met in San Juan to finalise plans for the Congress. The first Congress was a resounding success and OSWI has not looked back since.
The Society functions as an Association of Professionals with a keen interest on the development and promotion of a high standard of practice in total eye care in the region. To this end our main event has been our Annual Congress, an academic exercise at which research work from within the region and abroad is presented. Each year the major causes of blindness are highlighted.
To ensure a high quality and international acceptance, presentations are given by guest speakers from major research centres in the world. We have attracted participants/presenters from Canada, Cuba, France, Germany, United States, UK and Venezuela. Membership and regular participation involves delegates from the entire English speaking Caribbean in addition to the French and Dutch territories.
The meeting is held in a different country each year with each venue having its own special attraction but certain constants prevail - the excellent academic standard and level of social interaction. Previous congresses have been held in Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, Martinique, St. Lucia, Curacao, Grenada, Bahamas and St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.
Commencing in 1999, presentations are referenced in a special supplement to the West Indian Medical Journal and the Society's major activities are highlighted in several international calendars including that of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Members meet twice a year - at our annual congress on home ground somewhere in the Caribbean and during the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology in the United States.
We have held workshops with the LightHouse of New York, PAHO and ORBIS. In 2001 we joined with PAHO / WHO in launching the Caribbean leg of vision 2020 - a major prevention blindness initiative and part of a worldwide effort. In 2006 we joined the PAAO and have a representative on the board.
OSWI representatives have addressed the Caricom Assembly of Chief Medical Officers and have declared its availability to participate and co-operate with regional agencies and governments on matters related to eye health. We have influenced some major decisions in regional Ophthalmology including the training of Ophthalmologists at the University of the West Indies. Members participate in voluntary work within the region and further a field.
OSWI has certainly made big strides over the past 18 years and is set to continue on this path with the increasing participation of younger colleagues returning to the region with bright fresh ideas. We beseech them to join us and continue to work for the benefit of our peoples and the future of Caribbean Ophthalmology.
BOOK HIGHLIGHT:
The Flood on Socket Street
Author: Sonya Osbourne
Preface
The Flood on Socket Street is the story of chronic glaucoma. Its cause, its effects and control have been presented in a manner that appeals to children. Having taught children for more than half of my life, I have come to realize that children enjoy stories and that the use of analogies is a fantastic way of aiding them in understanding complex concepts. My work for the past two and a half decades with the blind and visually impaired has particularly helped me to recognize the value of the latter.
Whilst this story relates to two of the students with whom I have worked, glaucoma affects the lives of very many persons. The purpose therefore of this story is not only to create empathy but to educate us all on the subtleties and severity of glaucoma and to show that one needs not be blinded by this silent and sneak thief of sight.
My appeal is to students. They are invaluable agents of change. If we can creatively bear upon them the seriousness of this disease, we may be safeguarding them for later years, additionally; they can be our “torch bearers” to effectively pass the message on to others.
The story however, transcends all ages and cultures. Statistics show that glaucoma is the highest cause of irreversible blindness in the adult population in the Caribbean, that it is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States and that internationally, it maintains that high profile. When one considers that glaucoma can be successfully controlled, it is urgent that we educate our students so that they will not be a part of the massive adult population who could be so blinded.
About the Author:
Sonya Osborne
Education Profile:
Trained Teachers’ Certificate – Cyril Potter College of Education, Guyana (1975)
Certificate in Special Education – University of Guyana (1984)
Certificate in Education of the Blind – Perkins School for the Blind, Boston: Mass –(1989)
B/Phil in Special Education/Visual Impairment – University of Birmingham (1991)
MA in Ed. & Psychology for Special Educational Needs – University of London (1994)
Diploma in Writing for Children and Teens – Inst. of Children’s Literature. (2006)
You can contact the author at osbornes@candw.ag
(The information in this book does not necessarily represent the view of the Ophthalmological Society of the West Indies)
The Ophthalmological Society of the West Indies (OSWI) was established in 1990 in Kingston, Jamaica, by a group of Caribbean Ophthalmologists. Its head office is located in Trinidad.
AIMS & OBJECTIVES
1) To promote and improve the ethics and practice of Ophthalmology in the West Indies
2) To circulate information on eye care to its members and members of the medical profession and the public.
3) To arrange medical meetings, discussions, etc. to improve the knowledge of its members
4) To act as an umbrella organization for Ophthalmological Societies in the region
5) To collaborate with Governmental and Non-governmental organizations working to improve Ophthalmologic care in the region
6) To develop ties with extra regional Ophthalmologic Societies and Associations in the furtherence of its cause and to their mutual benefit.
PAST PRESIDENTS (OSWI)
Dr. Deo Singh
Dr. Hugh Vaughan 1995-1997
Dr. Anirudh Mahabir 1998-2000
Dr. Alfred Anduze 2000-2002
Dr. Sonja Johnston 2002-2004
Dr. Garth Taylor (Deceased) 2004-Nov 2005
Dr. Elliot McGuire (Acting) Nov 2005-2006
Dr. Marlene Smith- Day 2006-2008
Dr Terrence Allan 2008-2010
Present Executive 2010-2012
President: Dr D Calder
Vice President: Dr R Richer
Secretary/Treasurer: Dr S Johnston
Click here to go to the Highlights of OSWI 2009 and 2010
Book Highlight
PTERYGIUM
A Practical Guide to Management by Alfred Anduze
This book is available at http://www.jaypeebrothers.com/SearchBooks.aspx
Welcome to the Ophthalmological Society of the West Indies Website
XX Pan American Regional Ophthalmology Course
and
OSWI 2012 Congress Meeting
July 11th-14th 2012
Hyatt Regency Hotel, Port of Spain,
Trinidad
To download the ABSTRACT SUBMITTAL FORM Click here
TO: SPEAKERS / PRESENTERS
RE: OSWI/PAAO 2012
In order to expedite and ensure a comprehensive programme, kindly comply with the following:
1.Complete and submit your abstracts BEFORE the designated deadline March 13th 2012.
Complete and submit your abstracts BEFORE the designated deadline March 13th 2012.Due to the geographical distribution of the Programme coordinators, ample time is needed to prepare a functional outline and complete a Final Draft by the stated deadline.
2. Kindly take special care in preparing the presentation to remain within the time limits as designated. This is essential to the proper progression of the conference. Discussions will be held at the conclusion of each session.
Kindly take special care in preparing the presentation to remain within the time limits as designated. This is essential to the proper progression of the conference. Discussions will be held at the conclusion of each session.3. Please provide a short biography to accompany your abstract(s) for the convenience of the Chairperson and the participants.
Please provide a short biography to accompany your abstract(s) for the convenience of the Chairperson and the participants.4. Review of the objectives of OSWI Programmes:
Review of the objectives of OSWI Programmes:To update participants – selected topics pertinent to and of special interest in the region
To update participants – selected topics pertinent to and of special interest in the regionTo promote Continuing Medical Education for all the Ophthalmologists in the region.
To promote Continuing Medical Education for all the Ophthalmologists in the region.To foster closer ties (academic and social) between ophthalmologist in the region
To foster closer ties (academic and social) between ophthalmologist in the regionTo influence the trend of Ophthalmology in the West Indies.
To influence the trend of Ophthalmology in the West Indies.1.As OSWI is an inclusive organization, your ideas and suggestions are always welcome and respected.
As OSWI is an inclusive organization, your ideas and suggestions are always welcome and respected.As always our sincerest appreciation for your contribution.
Sonja Johnston
________________________
SONJA JOHNSTON MB BS F.R.C.S.
SECRETARY/TREASURER, OSWI
Hyatt Regency, Trinidad,
Room Rates
Single Occupancy: USD$169.00 per night – This includes Buffet Breakfast at the Waterfront Restaurant
Double Occupancy: USD$189.00 per night – This includes Buffet Breakfast at the Waterfront Restaurant.
Room rates are quoted exclusive of applicable taxes and service charges in effect in Trinidad and Tobago, which are currently twenty-one percent (21%) or applicable taxes and service charges in effect in Trinidad and Tobago at the time of the meeting.
Room rate will be valid for 2 days pre and post stays.
•Children up to 18 years can stay with parents without a charge
Children up to 18 years can stay with parents without a charge•Buffet Breakfast is complimentary for children under 5 years
Buffet Breakfast is complimentary for children under 5 years•50% off buffet breakfast for children between the ages of 5-12 years
50% off buffet breakfast for children between the ages of 5-12 years•Full restaurant price for children over 12years.
Full restaurant price for children over 12years.•The maximum number of persons per room – 2 adults and 2 children under the age of 18
The maximum number of persons per room – 2 adults and 2 children under the age of 18•The maximum number of persons (adults) per room will be 3 persons. There will be an additional cost of USD$30.00 per night for the 3rd adult.
The maximum number of persons (adults) per room will be 3 persons. There will be an additional cost of USD$30.00 per night for the 3rd adult. Room rates will be valid for two (2) days Pre and Post conference stays.
Reservation Method:
Hyatt Regency Trinidad currently utilizes Passkey web based reservations. This complimentary service is offered by the Hyatt Regency Trinidad to provide attendees with an electronic reservations interface that is customized for our event. Reservations may be made, modified or cancelled on-line.
For online bookings log on to www.trinidad.hyatt.com.You will need to use the OSWI/PAAO group code which is “G-OSLR”
Reservations can also be made by calling the Hyatt’s Reservation line at 1 (868) 623-2222 or 1 (800) 233-1234 referring to the group and meeting name.
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellation for individual bookings must be made 24 hours prior to arrival to avoid a no show charge of night.
Cut-off date:
The “cut-off date is June 30th 2012. Reservations made after this time will not be at the conference rate and subject to availability.
GARTH TAYLOR MEMORIAL LECTURE
Dr Garth Taylor
MB,BS.,FRCSC.,FACS.,DAB(OPHTH).C.D., OJ., MSM
Order of Distinction (in the rank of Commander)
Order of Jamaica
The Garth Taylor Memorial Lecture this year will be updated soon
(We are pleased this year that the Garth Taylor Lecturer is again sponsored by ORBIS)
