Advocacy group for rare eye disease sufferers to work with Caribbean Ophthalmology Research Alliance
One week after it was launched, members of “Keratoconus Barbados“, (KCB) are actively seeking to form linkages with other established organisations in Barbados with common goals. Keratoconus Barbados, is a support and advocacy group for persons suffering with the rare eye condition keratoconus.
Members attended the Caribbean Ophthalmology Research Alliance’s (CORA‘s) annual Fancy Hat fundraiser held at the British High Commissioner’s official residence of Ben Mar, on Feb 17th, in support of research into eye diseases in the Caribbean.
With one of its main objectives being research into the rare eye disease keratoconus, the possible synergy between the group of patient advocates and the research alliance will be explored as a priority.
Dr. Kim Jebodhsingh, an Ophthalmologist and Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, is the main coordinator of the event on behalf of CORA. Dr. Jebodhsingh noted; “I think it’s important for Barbados and the Caribbean to be aware of eye diseases that are affecting our people. We are of many races, different climate, environment and diet. We should recognize that research is an important part of advancement in medicine that can lead to the prevention and cure of diseases. There has not been much research carried out in our region and we need our own data and interventions specific for our population. CORA is happy to partner with Keratoconus Barbados to do research into a disease in search of causes, prevention and a cure.”
The founder of Keratoconus Barbados Roseanne Myers says “We reached out to the alliance, when we saw the fundraiser being promoted, and have pledged to work with CORA to explore how we can better understand the incidence of Keratoconus in Barbados and the causative factors“.
She added that after discussion with Dr. Kim Jebodhsingh, it was very clear that a collaboration on KC research between the medical professionals and patient advocates, is being embraced. CORA has given Mrs. Myers the opportunity to say a few words, at this unique social event, about the patient advocate group, “Keratoconus Barbados“.
