Dr. Norman Saffra, Director of Ophthalmology at Maimonides Medical Center, was volunteering at a soup kitchen last Christmas Eve when he learned about a unique opportunity to transform eye care in Jamaica – a country with one of the highest rates of blindness due to diabetic eye disease.
Dr. Saffra came across Caron S. Chung, Executive Director of theAmerican Friends of Jamaica (AFJ), and soon a collaborative effort was formed with AFJ to bring Dr. Saffra’s ophthalmic expertise to the island.
Expanding his volunteerism, Dr. Saffra boarded the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital – a former cargo plane, now equipped with a state-of-the-art operating room, and teaching facility with the ability to transmit lectures to local hospitals. Dr. Saffra lectured aboard the plane and shared vital skills to help area physicians serve vulnerable communities across Jamaica.
“I’ve always wanted to perform mission work. Partnering with AFJ and Orbis was a chance to jump in with both feet,” said Dr. Saffra, a leading expert in vitreoretinal surgery. “In third world countries, access to highly trained, experienced surgeons is scarce. So, leading this important mission in Kingston was a chance for Maimonides to give back beyond our walls.”
Dr. Saffra introduced residents to advanced laser and surgical techniques in the Orbis high-tech simulation center. He also assessed medical equipment and conducted essential troubleshooting to ensure the local health center met appropriate standards for safe, quality care.
In November, Dr. Saffra will be returning to Kingston with Orbis and AFJ. In addition to lecturing and performing surgery, he will be teaching surgery at the University of the West Indies (UWI) in Kingston, and assisting the school with their new diabetic eye disease screening program.
Dr. Saffra says, “I want to raise the level of eye-care in Jamaica, and give physicians on the front lines greater knowledge and the ability to create a healthier future.”
For more information on Dr. Norman Saffra and the Maimonides Eye Institute, visit https://www.maimonidesmed.org/clinical-services/ophthalmologyeye-care/ophthalmology-eye-care or call 718.283.8000.
Maimonides Medical Center, 4802 10th Avenue in Borough Park, is nationally recognized for clinical excellence across all major specialties. Their accomplished physicians are known for innovation and strengthening teaching and research programs. With 711 beds, the Medical Center is dedicated to bringing patients the most advanced care available—anywhere. Maimonides continues to grow in response to evolving models of care that better serve patients and families, and is an affiliate of Northwell Health. To learn more, please visit www.maimonidesmed.org.
