The program, managed by Cuban specialists in coordination with the Venezuelan authorities, was interrupted between the months of April and May due to the rise in the numbers of infections related to SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in Venezuela, the directive explained in statements to Prensa Latina.

However, clinical ophthalmology consultations remained open, and patients in need of surgeries were registered in a database to locate and treat them later, Segura, a doctor of the Cuban medical brigade in Venezuela, stated.

‘Misión Milagro’ is spread in 18 ophthalmological centers and 21 positions in the country, and offers the opportunity, free of charge, to recover their sight to people suffering from cataracts, glaucoma and pterygium or meatiness, as well as others related to ailments of the eyelids and conjunctiva.

Likewise, preoperative consultation is provided to the patient, who is then redirected to the closest point where a solution to their visual health is offered, Segura said.

‘Our advisers are very committed to this work anywhere in the country and we provide this service with our hearts because it constitutes a project with great social impact,’ he said.

According to official figures, more than three million Venezuelans received surgical treatment thanks to the Miracle Mission since its foundation in 2004, of which more than 1.103.000 patients were intervened in centers attended by the Cuban medical brigade, Segura indicated.

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