St Vincent De Paul Expands Ophthalmology Services With 5 New Clinics

San Vinċenz de Paul is expanding its specialised healthcare services for older patients through the addition of five new ophthalmology clinics, aimed at reducing waiting times and easing pressure on ophthalmology services at Mater Dei Hospital.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health Ian Borg and Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing Deo Debattista announced the investment during a visit to San Vinċenz de Paul, where they toured the new clinics alongside Chief Executive Jorgen Souness and observed the work being carried out in the ophthalmology services.

The expansion adds to the 13 ophthalmology clinics already operating at the facility and will allow more patients to receive specialised eye care in a shorter timeframe. The service is available both to San Vinċenz de Paul residents and to people aged over 60 living in the community.

The clinics provide specialised eye examinations, procedures and interventions, diabetes-related eye screenings and ongoing follow-up care to identify and treat conditions that can affect vision.

The new clinics will also support Avastin treatment services, helping reduce waiting lists for both ophthalmology consultations and eye injections. Avastin treatment involves administering injections into the eye to reduce swelling in the retina, lowering the risk of further vision loss and helping preserve patients’ visual function.

Between January 2026 and the present day, the ophthalmology clinics at San Vinċenz de Paul have provided care to 863 patients, while 1,063 patients received Avastin treatment.

Borg said the expansion forms part of wider efforts to make specialised healthcare services more accessible and bring care closer to patients. He said investing in eye care can improve older people’s independence and quality of life.

Debattista said strengthening specialised services at San Vinċenz de Paul ensures older people can access quality healthcare in an environment suited to their needs. He added that vision plays an important role in maintaining independence and wellbeing.

Souness said the expansion builds on the clinical services already offered at the facility and strengthens San Vinċenz de Paul’s role in providing specialised care for older people. The project forms part of the Government’s commitment to expanding healthcare services for older patients during the current legislature.

#MaltaDaily