Dr. Hazel Shillingford-Ricketts

• Consultant Ophthalmologist & Surgeon, Dominican public sector and Harlsbro Medical Centre

• Led Dominica’s National Diabetic Retinopathy Screening and Treatment Programme

• Pioneered local cataract, pediatric, and glaucoma surgery services

• Collaborated with VISION 2020 LINKS, PAHO, Brenda Strafford Foundation, and other partners

• Contributor to regional studies in diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and pediatric vision screening

• Lecturer and speaker on chronic disease prevention, AI in medicine, and regional eye health

• Multiple leadership and excellence awards in Caribbean ophthalmology

• Public advocate for women in medicine and eye health equity

Dr. Hazel Shillingford-Ricketts is revered across Dominica and the Caribbean for building modern eye care services where none previously existed. She graduated from the University of the West Indies and trained in ophthalmic surgery in Ottawa, returning home to develop nationally acclaimed screening, laser, and surgical programs. Through her work at Harlsbro Medical Centre and national hospitals, she has impacted thousands of lives, integrating digital imaging, collaborating on AI projects, and training the next generation of health workers. Her influence as a surgeon, public health leader, and educator continues to shape Caribbean ophthalmology today.