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Gozo General Hospital has expanded its Ophthalmic Department capabilities thanks to Evolve.

The purchase of two state-of-the-art machines – an Optical Coherence Topography scanner and a Digital Retinopathy Screening fundus camera – will significantly enhance the ability to diagnose and treat deteriorating vision in patients, including damage to the macula area of the retina.

Dr Michael Shaw, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Gozo General Hospital, said: ‘Evolve are one of the largest ophthalmology equipment providers in Malta. They always listen to our needs and match them. They also guarantee a great after-sales service which is important for us. After purchasing our new eye operating equipment, Evolve were on hand and it didn’t become just a “hello and goodbye” relationship.’

The OCT machine is used with patients with suspected macular pathology. These conditions can range from macular degeneration, macular holes, epiretinal membranes as well as degeneration caused by diabetic conditions.

The acquisition of the DRS camera has enabled the hospital to start offering a diabetic retinopathy screening programme. As part of this initiative, the eyesight of diabetic patients is reviewed on an annual basis with detailed retinal photos taken at each visit.

Joseph Fenech, executive director of Gozo General Hospital said: “The investment in these machines enables our hospital to improve our ophthalmic-related care to Gozo residents.

‘Following the introduction of two ophthalmic specialists based at Gozo General in 2019, our ophthalmic service continues to grow, with 2,722 ophthalmic-related appointments being made at Gozo General Hospital in 2021 – 213 of these appointments were in fact OCT-related appointments.

‘This investment is testament to our long-term commitment to the delivery of quality healthcare to the community of Gozo and the people of Malta.’

Gozo General Hospital is the only hospital on the island of Gozo, providing acute and complex services, emergency services, inpatient and outpatient services and community outreach services.

In addition, the hospital caters for psychiatric and long-term care. Gozo General Hospital is connected to Mater Dei Hospital on the mainland by means of 24/7 air and land ambulance/s services for emergency and specialised care.

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