Medical Ministry International and Local Partners Strengthens Eye Care Capacity in Dominica

For the second consecutive year, the Rotary Club of Portsmouth partnered with Medical Ministry International (MMI) as they returned to Dominica for an impactful mission centered on training, mentorship, and sustainable healthcare development. In two weeks, over 60 cataract eye surgeries were completed.

This year's mission placed a strong emphasis on capacity building and skill enhancement. During the first week, three local surgeons worked alongside the MMI surgical team led by Dr. Ralph Crew, receiving hands-on training and mentorship in eye surgery procedures. Local nurses were also trained to support the surgical process, further strengthening the country's ability to provide quality eye care services.

Dr. Crew was the only ophthalmologist on the Medical Ministry International team and was supported by two optometrists. To date, 67 surgeries have been successfully completed, with the total expected to reach 80 by next week. As planned, the local ophthalmology team will continue the remaining procedures to ensure all 80 cases are completed.

The mission represents a remarkable collaboration between Medical Ministry International, the Rotary Club of Portsmouth (RCP), the Dominica China Friendship Hospital, and the Ministry of Health, embodying Rotary's 2025–2026 theme, "Unite for Good."

Reflecting on the partnership, MMI’s team leader Barbara Skinner shared, "This has been a great opportunity for Medical Ministry International to work right alongside the Rotary Club of Portsmouth, the hospital, and the Ministry of Health—everybody who has put this together. Our emphasis on training has become a unique aspect of this mission, allowing us to work closely with the local staff. We're very pleased to be able to serve, and we're here to serve in the name of Jesus, and we're happy to do that."

This mission is a powerful reminder that when organizations, healthcare professionals, and communities come together with a common purpose, meaningful and lasting change is possible. By investing in local expertise and strengthening partnerships, this initiative continues to demonstrate what it truly means to Unite for Good.