The climate, the colors, and the fabulous vistas of St. Kitts can inspire us to do a great many things: hike lush trails, dive the deep, blue sea, picnic on the beach. It might even inspire us to change lives. Thanks to the generous spirit and surgical talent of one Christophe Harbour member, the future looks brighter for some very grateful children.

Dr. Veronique Jotterand, a board certified pediatric ophthalmologist and strabismus surgeon, and her husband built the very first home at Christophe Harbour in 2009. Last year, upon meeting Dr. Patrick Martin, St. Kitts Chief Medical Officer, she was asked to examine a child with an eye problem that posed a diagnostic dilemma to local physicians. With more than two decades of experience through her thriving Long Beach, California practice, Dr. Jotterand was quick to recommend a course of treatment for the child. Having already performed more than 7,000 realignment surgeries to improve depth perception and visual focus in the U.S., she was a natural fit for the needs of the island’s eye clinic. “That first patient quickly turned into five patients, and my relationship with the hospital began,” she says.

During her initial visit to the clinic, she saw a five-year old boy with bilateral congenital glaucoma in urgent need of surgery. The highly specialized procedure could not be performed on
St. Kitts, and Dr. Jotterand stepped into action, arranging for surgical treatment at St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach. “I immediately recognized the need for specialized care in treating vision-impaired children on the island. Upon further inquiry, I learned that Puerto Rico is the closest place to find a pediatric ophthalmologist.”

To date, Dr. Jotterand provided examinations for two dozen local children and, utilizing the facilities at the Joseph N. France General Hospital, operated on four. An impressive achievement made doubly so by the fact that she offers her services at no charge. Jotterand explains that along with the donation of her time, the government of St. Kitts has covered hospital stays and surgery expenses, resulting in no out-of-pocket costs for the patient. Recently, the Pediatric Assistance League became involved in the doctor’s mission and provided travel assistance for the first Nevis child Jotterand examined on the island. “After letters to the U.S. Embassy in Barbados and discussions with my local hospital in California,” the doctor enthuses, “little Kijuante arrived at St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach in April.” There, the child underwent two surgeries to treat his congenital glaucoma and retinal detachment. Three highly specialized eye surgeons oversaw the procedures and the results were exceptional. “I am very happy to report that Kijuante just returned to The Federation and his congenital glaucoma has been successfully treated,” Dr. Jotterand declares before adding, “This was truly a sight saving endeavor!”

Considering the demands of her bustling U.S. practice and the limited time she’s able to spend on St. Kitts, Jotterand’s compassionate efforts seem heroic. But she is quick to dismiss that notion, stating humbly, “I am deriving great pleasure from my work here and know that I am providing much-needed service. And as a resident of Christophe Harbour and The Federation, I feel compelled to be involved in the St Kitts community and give back to this lovely country that has welcomed us so graciously.”