Dr. Sharon Elaine Douglas

Dr. Sharon Elaine Douglas is a consultant ophthalmologist at Joseph N. France General Hospital in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, specialising in cataract surgery, diabetic eye disease, and glaucoma. With 15 years of specialist experience and an ICO Fellowship, she brings subspecialty-level ophthalmic expertise to the Eastern Caribbean island. The high prevalence of diabetes in the Caribbean makes diabetic retinopathy a significant public health concern in Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Dr. Douglas's expertise in this area is particularly valuable for the local population. She provides both surgical and medical ophthalmic care, serving as a key provider of eye health services for the island nation.

Dr. Douglas completed her MBBS and subsequently trained in ophthalmology, achieving the DO (Diploma in Ophthalmology) and an ICO (International Council of Ophthalmology) Fellowship. Her fellowship training provided exposure to phacoemulsification cataract surgery, retinal laser photocoagulation, and glaucoma management techniques to international standards. She has completed training in intravitreal injection therapy for diabetic macular oedema and age-related macular degeneration. She participates in Caribbean ophthalmology CME and has undertaken observational visits to regional and North American ophthalmic units to maintain her surgical and medical skills.

Dr. Douglas performs phacoemulsification cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation, providing vision-restoring surgery for patients with visually significant cataracts. Her diabetic eye disease expertise encompasses annual diabetic retinopathy screening, retinal laser photocoagulation for proliferative retinopathy, and intravitreal injection therapy for diabetic macular oedema. Her glaucoma practice includes medical management with topical therapy, laser trabeculoplasty, and trabecular surgical procedures. She also manages acute eye emergencies including corneal trauma, acute angle-closure glaucoma, and anterior uveitis. She coordinates referrals to vitreoretinal surgery centres in the region for complex posterior segment cases.

Joseph N. France General Hospital provides the main ophthalmic service for residents and visitors in Saint Kitts and Nevis. International tourists and expatriates requiring urgent ophthalmic assessment or ongoing specialist care can access Dr. Douglas's services. She consults in English and is experienced in providing ophthalmic care to patients from diverse international backgrounds. The island's proximity to regional centres in Barbados, Trinidad, and the US Virgin Islands supports onward referral for specialist vitreoretinal procedures if required. Medical documentation for insurance and travel purposes is routinely provided.

Dr. Douglas has been recognised by the Saint Kitts and Nevis Ministry of Health for her contributions to improving eye health services on the island, particularly in diabetic retinopathy screening and cataract surgery access. Her ICO Fellowship reflects internationally assessed ophthalmic competence. She has contributed to diabetic eye disease awareness campaigns and has been commended for expanding cataract surgical capacity in Saint Kitts and Nevis, reducing the backlog of patients with vision-impairing cataracts.