July 16, 2025
This past week, BSF's Livwell proudly participated in and hosted events that showcased our collaboration, reflection, and growth. From advancing eye care training to hosting international partners and connecting with our dedicated team, these moments reflect our ongoing commitment to improving health and well-being across Jamaica and the Caribbean.
Livwell was proud to attend and sponsor The Ophthalmological Society of the West Indies (OSWI) Annual Conference, an event dedicated to advancing eye care in the region. We also supported eight local ophthalmologists from Montego Bay to attend this important gathering.
During the conference, Kevin Melanson, our Vice President of International Health & Social Impact, moderated a panel discussion on collaboration in Caribbean eye health, which highlighted powerful stories of partnerships shaping the future of vision care in the region. Panel members included partners from Trinidad Eye Hospital, HMS Eye Centre in Dominica, and Cornwall Regional Hospital in Jamaica
Last weekend, the Livwell Eye Centre hosted a simulated surgery skills training, aka a "wetlab", run by the Ophthalmological Society of the West Indies as part of their annual conference. This was the first training of this kind at the Livwell Eye Centre and it was a fantastic event supporting the development of ophthalmologists across Jamaica and in the Caribbean. It was a great day of training and collaboration.
A key aspect of the training was with the eye centre’s new phacoemulsification (“phaco”) machine for cataract surgery, acquired with support from Canadian Vision Care and Focus Inc.
Phaco cataract surgery is considered the best technique for cataract surgery, however many junior ophthalmologists in Jamaica have limited access and exposure to this type of machine and the training required to use it. This training helped introduce the technique and started to develop the skills required to master it.
We were honoured to receive a visit from the High Commissioner of Canada to Jamaica and The Bahamas, Mr. Mark Berman, and his colleague, Mr. Shehryar Sarwar, Counsellor and Head of Development Cooperation with the High Commission of Canada. They toured the facilities and services, met with staff, and leadership. Both parties learned about each organization’s work to support development and improve lives in Jamaica and across the Caribbean.
Livwell hosted its first all-staff meeting with our employees from our long-term care home, adult day centre, and eye centre. Livwell’s new Medical Director and Ophthalmologist, Dr. Tecah Foster, was introduced, and we took a moment to reflect on the past and present, watching BSF’s 50th Anniversary highlight video. We also discussed the future of our work to increase access to services to optimize health and wellbeing, with the ultimate goal to maximize Livwell’s and BSF’s social impact.
Livwell received a visit by the recipients of the Livwell by the BSF Optometry Student Scholarship, Uton Vasell and Taija Smith, who are part of the first and only optometry program in Jamaica, provided by the All American Institute of Medical Sciences.
As they finish up their first year of their program, we learned about their experiences in their courses and their excitement as they look ahead to year two of a four year program. They also took advantage of the opportunity to observe Dr. Foster in the clinic, which included a sample refraction test from Livwell’s optometrist, Ernesto Garcia Rivaflecha.
Dr. Pasteur Nshimyimana, BSF’s Medical Director in Haiti, was also present following his attendance at the annual conference of the Ophthalmological Society of the West Indies. Dr. Pasteur graciously stayed a few extra days to support Dr. Foster as she settles into her new role, and providing mentorship in the operating theatre.
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