Zion Care International, Duke University Health, and Jamaica Medial Foundation Facilitate Free Cataract Surgery Mission at Kingston Public Hospital
KINGSTON, Jamaica — July 8, 2026 — Zion Care International, a New York-based charity led by Bishop Brown, has partnered with Duke University Health, the Jamaica Medical Foundation, and the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) Eye Clinic to facilitate a week-long ophthalmology mission providing free cataract surgeries to approximately 500 patients across the public health system.
The mission, running July 6–11, 2026 at the Kingston Public Hospital, follows Zion Care International’s long-standing history of charitable work in Jamaica, which began in 2012 and has traditionally focused on annual dental missions to underserved communities. This year, for the first time, the organization expanded its scope by partnering with Duke University in North Carolina, which assembled an 11-member team of ophthalmologists and volunteer eye care professionals to perform surgeries on patients identified through KPH.
A screening team arrived ahead of the surgical group to prepare the roughly 500 patients selected for surgery, bringing specialized medication and equipment to support the effort. Surgeries are being led by Dr. Lloyd Williams, working alongside the KPH Eye Clinic team under the direction of Dr. Michelle Leighton, Ophthalmologist, and Dr. Trevor Bygrave, Senior Medical Officer for KPH.
The mission addresses a critical gap in access to specialized eye care in Jamaica following the withdrawal of the Cuban ophthalmology programme, which has contributed to growing surgical backlogs and preventable vision loss, particularly among elderly and vulnerable populations. By delivering immediate surgical interventions, reducing waiting lists, and fostering knowledge-sharing between international and local healthcare providers, the mission is expected to significantly improve access to care and quality of life for beneficiaries.
A Partnership Rooted in Diaspora Collaboration
The Jamaica Medical Foundation, the outreach arm of Jamaica’s insurance industry, has been providing a lifeline to health since 1988. Since 2016, the Foundation has served as the local partner for the annual medical mission, working alongside Zion Care International as the diaspora partner and providing essential on-the-ground coordination and support. For this year’s expanded initiative, the Foundation played a key role in securing sponsorship from the CHASE Fund to cover accommodation costs for the visiting medical team from Duke University.
The CHASE Fund — the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education Fund — continues to play a vital role in strengthening Jamaica’s health sector through its support of initiatives such as this mission.
Billy Heaven, CEO of the CHASE Fund, said:
“The CHASE Fund is proud to support this ophthalmology mission and the partners who made it possible. Investing in the health of our people, particularly our most vulnerable, is central to our mandate. By helping to host the team from Duke University, we are helping to restore sight and dignity to hundreds of Jamaicans who might otherwise wait years for this kind of care. We commend Zion Care International, the Jamaica Medical Foundation, and Kingston Public Hospital for their leadership, and we remain committed to partnering in initiatives that strengthen our health sector.”
Voices from the Ground
Mr. Orville Johnson, Chairman of the Jamaica Medical Foundation shared the following reflection from the mission:
“Today was another special day at the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) as we continued this mission of restoring sight and bringing hope to so many. From patients waiting courageously for their turn, to our doctors and medical team offering care, comfort, and reassurance every step of the way, each moment reminded us why this work matters. Behind every surgery is a person, a family, and the possibility of seeing life more clearly again. We are deeply grateful to everyone making this mission possible and to every patient who has placed their trust in us.”
Registration Notice
All patients for this year’s mission have already been registered and selected by Kingston Public Hospital. Registered patients will be contacted directly regarding their scheduled procedures. Zion Care International encourages the public to follow its official platforms for updates on future missions and announcements.
About Zion Care International
Zion Care International is a New York-based charity led by Bishop Brown that has conducted charitable work in Jamaica since 2012, with a focus on annual dental missions to underserved communities. Zion Care International remains committed to improving health outcomes and quality of life for vulnerable populations across Jamaica.
About the Jamaica Medical Foundation
The Jamaica Medical Foundation is the outreach arm of the insurance industry, “Providing a Lifeline to Health” since 1988. Since 2016, the Foundation has served as Zion Care International’s diaspora partner, supporting dental, ophthalmology, and other medical missions with on-the-ground coordination and logistical support.
About the CHASE Fund
The CHASE Fund’s support for the health sector is guided by the principle that every Jamaican deserves access to quality healthcare services. Under its Health portfolio, the CHASE Fund invests 20% of its resources on infrastructure upgrades, acquiring modern equipment and technologies for hospitals, health centres and clinics; promotion of healthy lifestyles and training of health care practitioners.
About Duke University Health
Duke University Health provided an 11-member volunteer team of ophthalmologists and eye care professionals for this mission, working in collaboration with local partners to deliver free cataract surgeries and support knowledge transfer with Jamaican healthcare providers.
