More than 3,000 people across Trinidad and Tobago regained their sight through a free cataract and pterygium surgery initiative led by the Community Hospital of Seventh-day Adventists in partnership with Hands International, providing life-changing care to patients who otherwise could not afford treatment.

The initiative, which ran from May 14–26, 2026, provided thousands of free surgeries and addressed a significant need for eye care services. Hundreds of people arrived daily at the hospital compound in Cocorite seeking treatment and the opportunity to regain their sight.

Tobago-born Reynold Agard, president of Hands International for the past 14 years, said returning to his home country through the initiative carried special meaning.

“Our target was approximately 4,000 cataract surgeries,” Agard said. “Because we knew the need was here.”

Hospital leaders noted that cataracts remain a significant health concern throughout Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean. According to Steven Carryl, chief executive officer of the Community Hospital of Seventh-day Adventists, environmental factors associated with the region may contribute to higher rates of the condition.

To help meet that need, the organization assembled specialized equipment and an international medical team, including Jacob Prabhakar, leader of the Eyes for India project. His high-volume cataract surgery technique, which enables teams to perform up to 450 procedures daily, proved critical in expanding access to treatment.

Medical teams reported that the procedures were minimally invasive and allowed patients to experience rapid improvements in vision.

“When we replace that lens, people see again,” Agard said. “Colors become sharper. Night blindness improves. It changes quality of life.”

The initiative also provided treatment for pterygium, commonly known as “surfer’s eye,” a non-cancerous growth frequently associated with prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light, dust, and wind.

One of the mission’s greatest challenges involved pre-operative screening, as many patients arrived without the required assessments because they could not afford them.

“We were hoping people would already be screened before arriving,” Agard said. “But many could not afford the cost of screening, so we had to adjust.”

For many patients, the free initiative provided access to eye care they had delayed for years because screening and surgery costs were beyond their means.

“We are a faith-based hospital that believes in mission,” said Carryl. “This opportunity allows us to give back and serve our communities through healthcare ministry.”

Leslie Moses, president of the South Caribbean Conference, said the impact of the initiative extended far beyond the surgeries themselves.

“Restoring sight changed lives, helped individuals regain independence, and brought renewed hope to families and communities,” Moses said. The initiative delivered hundreds of thousands of dollars in free eye care services to patients across Trinidad and Tobago.

Beyond addressing a critical healthcare need, the initiative also created opportunities for the church to connect with communities through service, said Alexander Isaac, Health Ministries director for the Caribbean Union Conference.

“Healthcare ministry remains one of the most effective ways for the church to engage communities and reveal Christ’s love in practical ways,” Isaac said. “As we care for people physically, we also create opportunities to minister to spiritual needs.”

Last year, a Hands International medical mission team provided surgeries and healthcare services to more than 8,000 patients at the Adventist hospital during a four-day outreach effort.

The original article was published on the Inter-American Division news site.