by Halimatou Jallow
The Ministry of Health has strengthened its commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art Cataract Surgery Simulator at the Sheikh Zayed Regional Eye Care Centre on 23rd July 2026, positioning The Gambia among the few countries with access to advanced ophthalmic simulation training technology.
The simulator, donated by global eye health partner HelpMeSee, a charitable organisation dedicated to eliminating avoidable blindness through simulation-based surgical training, is expected to revolutionise cataract surgery education by providing trainee ophthalmologists with a realistic and risk-free environment to develop and perfect their surgical skills before performing procedures on patients.
The inauguration also marked the 25th anniversary of ophthalmic training in The Gambia, highlighting the Centre’s longstanding role in developing the country’s eye care workforce and restoring sight to thousands of patients over the past two decades.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of the Sheikh Zayed Regional Eye Care Centre, Dr Winston Ceesay, described the simulator as a significant milestone in medical education, innovation and patient safety.
“Today’s event is more than the unveiling of a new piece of technology. It represents our commitment to excellence in surgical training, innovation in medical education, and, above all, safer procedures and better outcomes for our patients,” he said.
Dr Ceesay explained that while cataract surgery is among the most successful medical procedures, it requires high levels of precision, confidence and extensive practice. He noted that the simulator would enable trainees to practise all stages of the procedure and build the necessary competence without putting patients at risk.
He added that the new facility further strengthens the Centre’s position as a centre of excellence for ophthalmic education and surgical training in The Gambia and the wider West African sub-region.
Officially inaugurating the simulator, Health Minister Dr Ahmadou Lamin Samateh described sight as one of life’s greatest blessings and expressed concern over the continued impact of preventable and treatable blindness, particularly cataracts, among Gambians.
He commended the Sheikh Zayed Regional Eye Care Centre for its outstanding contribution to cataract treatment and ophthalmic training, describing it as one of the country’s best-managed health institutions.
Minister Samateh said the simulator would enhance The Gambia’s capacity to train eye surgeons and attract medical trainees from across the region. He reaffirmed Government’s commitment to supporting the Centre’s infrastructure, equipment and human resource development needs as part of the national drive towards Universal Health Coverage.
He further encouraged the Centre to identify specialised eye care services that currently require overseas referrals, so that Government can explore ways of making such services available locally.
Representing HelpMeSee, Dr André Zammare described the simulation centre as a transformative addition to an institution already recognised as a leader in eye care and ophthalmic education.
He noted that cataracts remain one of the leading causes of blindness in Africa, despite being treatable through a single procedure that can restore sight and transform lives. According to him, simulation-based training provides future surgeons with the practical skills and confidence needed before entering the operating theatre.
Dr Zammare commended the Government of The Gambia, the Ministry of Health and the management of the Sheikh Zayed Regional Eye Care Centre for their commitment to advancing medical education and expanding access to quality eye care.
The introduction of the cataract surgery simulator is expected to significantly enhance the training and professional development of eye health workers, strengthen national efforts to eliminate avoidable blindness, and demonstrate the impact of strategic partnerships in building resilient and specialised healthcare services for Gambians and the wider region.
