Indian retinal specialists in Mauritius to perform corrective eye surgeries under ‘Lizie Avan Tou’ campaign

The Minister of Health and Wellness, Mr Anil Kumar Bachoo, met with two vitreoretinal surgeons from India, Dr Karan Annapur Kumarswamy ,and Dr Shubhank Khare, yesterday at the Subramania Bharati Eye Hospital in Moka, where the specialists are carrying out a week-long mission aimed at improving access to advanced eye care services in Mauritius.

The two surgeons from Manipal Hospital are in Mauritius from 8 to 12 June 2026 to provide specialised treatment for patients suffering from complex retinal disorders. Following outpatient consultations with around 100 patients, 49 have been identified as requiring corrective surgery. The visiting specialists are personally conducting the operations with the support of local healthcare teams.

The mission is being organised for the third consecutive year by the Rotary Club of Phoenix, with the support of the Rotary Club of Thane, India. In addition to consultations and surgeries, the initiative includes capacity-building sessions for local healthcare professionals and follow-up consultations for patients where necessary. Patient assessments and medical histories are being compiled by consultants at the hospital, while hospital staff are assisting during surgical procedures.

The initiative forms part of the third edition of the “Lizie Avan Tou” campaign, launched by the Rotary Club of Phoenix to promote early detection and treatment of retinal diseases, particularly among persons living with diabetes. The campaign seeks to raise awareness about conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and other vitreoretinal disorders, which can lead to severe vision loss or blindness if left untreated.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Bachoo praised the Rotary Club of Phoenix for its continued efforts in bringing highly specialised eye care services to Mauritius through the visit of the two vitreoretinal surgeons from India.

He highlighted that Government continues to seek the expertise of visiting specialists from India in other highly specialised medical fields, including oncology. He recalled that, last month, around 20 complex surgeries were successfully carried out locally by visiting specialists, procedures that would otherwise have required patients to travel overseas for treatment. These operations recorded a success rate of over 95 per cent, while eye surgeries usually achieve a success rate close to 100 per cent. He expressed gratitude to the Indian authorities for their ongoing support and collaboration in strengthening Mauritius’ healthcare services.

The Minister also announced that two cataract specialists from KIMS Hospital, India, are expected in Mauritius next week to assist in addressing the growing demand for cataract surgery. He pointed out that there is currently a significant waiting list for cataract operations and reiterated Government’s commitment to reducing waiting times in key areas such as ophthalmology, cancer care and cardiology. The objective, he stressed, is to ensure that patients receive timely medical attention and treatment, ideally within a week of seeking care.

For his part, Dr Khare expressed his appreciation to the Rotary Clubs of Phoenix and Thane for enabling him to participate in the humanitarian mission. Visiting Mauritius for the first time, he said he was pleased to contribute his expertise towards improving the eye health and quality of life of Mauritian patients.

As for Dr Kumarswamy, he recalled that he has been travelling to Mauritius since the past three years to perform retinal surgeries. He observed that while some cases remain highly complex, patients are increasingly being referred for treatment at an earlier stage, allowing for more effective interventions and better outcomes. This, he said, enables the medical team to make a significant difference in patients’ lives. Dr Kumarswamy also commended the professionalism and collaboration of local healthcare practitioners, highlighting their valuable role in patient assessment, selection and overall management throughout the mission.

Vitreoretinal diseases

Vitreoretinal diseases affect the retina and vitreous, two essential structures within the eye. Diabetes, ageing, trauma and light damage are among the leading causes of these conditions. Diabetic retinopathy, one of the most common retinal diseases, occurs when prolonged high blood sugar levels damage blood vessels in the retina, affecting vision and potentially resulting in blindness.

With the prevalence of diabetes increasing in Mauritius, the demand for vitreoretinal surgeries has also risen. While the country's public health system provides quality healthcare services, there remains a shortage of specialised expertise in this field, leading to waiting lists for corrective retinal surgery.

Since its launch in 2023, the project has benefited numerous Mauritians. During the first phase in 2023-2024, some 90 patients were consulted and 40 corrective surgeries were performed. The second phase in 2024-2025 also recorded 90 consultations and 43 surgeries.

11 June 2026

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Topics: Health