Dr. María Elena Vidal Suárez

Dr. María Elena Vidal Suárez is a consultant ophthalmologist at CIMEQ — the Centro de Investigaciones Médico-Quirúrgicas — one of Cuba's most technologically advanced clinical research hospitals, located in the Siboney district of Havana. Over a career spanning nearly two decades, she has established herself as one of the leading eye surgeons at the institution, with particular strengths in cataract extraction, refractive surgery, and the surgical management of glaucoma.

Dr. Vidal Suárez joined CIMEQ after completing her ophthalmology specialisation and quickly became involved in Cuba's internationally celebrated Operation Miracle programme — a humanitarian initiative that has restored sight to hundreds of thousands of patients across Latin America and the Caribbean through free cataract surgery. Her participation in that programme, including surgical missions to Venezuela, Bolivia, and Haiti, has given her an extraordinary volume of surgical experience and reinforced her commitment to accessible, high-quality eye care.

She is an active member of the Sociedad Cubana de Oftalmología and the Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology, and she participates regularly in continuing education courses and symposia. Known among her patients and colleagues for her meticulous surgical technique and calm manner, she works closely with CIMEQ's endocrinology and internal medicine teams to manage patients whose eye disease is driven by systemic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.

Dr. Vidal Suárez graduated from the Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de La Habana with her MD degree, completing clinical attachments at several of Havana's major hospitals including CIMEQ and the Instituto Cubano de Oftalmología Ramón Pando Ferrer — Cuba's national eye institute and one of the most respected ophthalmic centres in Latin America.

Following her general medical internship, she undertook a three-year residency in Ophthalmology at the Instituto Ramón Pando Ferrer, where she received training in the full range of diagnostic and surgical techniques. She subsequently completed advanced surgical training in phacoemulsification and small-incision cataract surgery, as well as in LASIK refractive procedures, through structured programmes at CIMEQ and regional ophthalmic centres. She holds the Cuban Ministry of Public Health certification as a Specialist in Ophthalmology.

The core of Dr. Vidal Suárez's surgical practice is cataract surgery using modern phacoemulsification technique with foldable intraocular lens implantation, including premium multifocal and toric lens options for eligible patients. She performs LASIK and surface ablation procedures for myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, and conducts comprehensive pre-operative screening to determine suitability for refractive surgery.

In glaucoma, she manages both open-angle and angle-closure presentations, using topical pharmacotherapy, laser procedures (including selective laser trabeculoplasty), and surgical trabeculectomy when indicated. Her retinal surgery experience includes vitreoretinal procedures for retinal detachment and advanced diabetic retinopathy, performed in collaboration with CIMEQ's vitreoretinal surgery team. She also runs a dedicated diabetic eye screening clinic, providing macular laser photocoagulation and intravitreal injection services for patients with sight-threatening diabetic macular oedema.

Dr. Vidal Suárez has published research in the Revista Cubana de Oftalmología and in Pan-American ophthalmic journals, with studies examining cataract surgical outcomes across diverse age groups, early detection of glaucoma in primary care settings, and the epidemiology of diabetic retinopathy in the Cuban population. She has presented her work at the annual congresses of the Sociedad Cubana de Oftalmología and the Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology. She is currently co-investigator on a multi-centre study assessing long-term visual outcomes of Operation Miracle patients in Cuba and participating partner countries.

CIMEQ is one of Cuba's principal hospitals for international medical visitors, equipped with modern diagnostic and surgical technology and a dedicated international patient reception service that assists with scheduling, translation, and logistical coordination. Dr. Vidal Suárez consults in Spanish and English and is experienced in receiving patients from North America, Latin America, and Europe who seek high-quality ophthalmic surgery at substantially lower cost than in their home countries.

Common reasons international patients visit include cataract surgery with premium intraocular lenses, LASIK correction, and second opinions on glaucoma or retinal conditions. Preliminary consultations by video can be arranged for patients who wish to share their prior test results and imaging before travelling. The international services team at CIMEQ assists with appointment scheduling and can provide cost estimates for surgical procedures.

Dr. Vidal Suárez has been recognised by the Sociedad Cubana de Oftalmología for her contributions to cataract surgical training and her role as a mentor to junior ophthalmology residents at CIMEQ. She received a commendation from the Cuban Ministry of Public Health for her service in international Operation Miracle surgical missions. She is listed among the contributing authors in the Cuban national ophthalmology clinical guidelines published by the Ministry of Public Health.