The Department of Clinical Surgical Sciences at The University of the West Indies (UWI), St Augustine Campus has received a significant boost to its Optometry Unit through the generous donation of a FastGrind lens-producing machine from Dr Deo Singh, Managing Director of the Caribbean Eye Institute. Valued at TT$300,000, the state-of-the-art equipment will enhance both teaching and clinical training in the Unit, further strengthening The UWI’s commitment to delivering world-class optometric education.
At the handover ceremony, held at the UWI Optometry Unit’s Couva Hospital and Multi-Training Facility, Dr Singh formally presented the FastGrind machine to senior faculty members, including Professor Hariharan Seetharaman, Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences (FMS), and Dr Kingsley Ekemiri, Head of the Optometry Unit. The FastGrind technology allows for the rapid generation of high-powered optical lenses on-site, giving students and faculty hands-on experience with cutting- edge lens dispensing and fabrication techniques.
“This donation marks a significant milestone for the Optometry Unit,” said Professor Seetharaman. “Having access to modern lens-manufacturing technology is critical for our students’ practical exposure, and it enables us to remain at the forefront of optometric education in the region.”
Dr Singh expressed his enthusiasm for partnering with the university. “The Caribbean Eye Institute is committed to supporting excellence in eye care and optometric education,” he noted. “By equipping UWI with this FastGrind machine, we are confident that the next generation of optometrists will be well-prepared to serve our communities and meet international standards.”
According to Dr Ekemiri, the machine will play a vital role in strengthening the Unit’s dispensing training, a key area emphasised by the Trinidad and Tobago Optometrists Registration Council (TTORC). “The FastGrind system allows our students to see the entire lens fabrication process—from prescription to finished product—in real time. This hands-on experience will make them more competent and confident practitioners upon graduation,” he said.
Beyond its educational benefits, the donation also underscores the growing collaboration between academia and the healthcare sector. By forging strong partnerships with local and regional institutions, UWI’s Optometry Unit continues to expand its capacity, enhance clinical services, and elevate the standard of eye care training available in Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean. “This contribution by Dr Singh is a testament to the power of collaboration,” said Dr Ravi Maharaj, Head of the Department of Clinical Surgical Sciences at FMS. “Our students will gain valuable skills that directly translate into improved patient care, helping fulfil UWI’s mission of contributing to the well-being of our society.”
As UWI continues to invest in cutting-edge technologies and collaborative initiatives, the Optometry Unit stands poised to solidify its position as a premier centre for optometric education in the Caribbean. The new FastGrind machine is yet another example of how strategic donations and partnerships can propel the university’s programmes to even greater heights, ultimately benefitting students, faculty, and the broader community.
For more information on the Optometry Unit at UWI’s Department of Clinical Surgical Sciences, please visit https://sta.uwi.edu/fms/ or contact the Faculty of Medical Sciences, St Augustine Campus.
