Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai marks World Sight Day 2015

DUBAI 7th October 2015 (WAM) -- Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai is marking World Sight Day 2015 by highlighting the importance of regular eye checks for those who are especially vulnerable in the community in support of the Vision2020 campaign which aims to eliminate avoidable blindness by 2020.

World Sight Day is an international day of awareness held annually on the second Thursday of October to focus attention on the global issue of avoidable blindness and visual impairment. The theme of this year's event is 'Eye Care for All'.

Dr. Irfan Khan Consultant Paediatric Ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai said "World Sight Day presents an opportunity for the medical community to raise awareness about the importance of protecting and improving the health of our eyes which is an important part of our role in the UAE. Screening younger children around the age of five is especially important because around 1 in 8 schoolchildren have some form of vision problem and many of these problems would previously have been undiagnosed.

Dr. Paola Salvetti Consultant Ophthalmologist and Medical Retina Specialist said "For people with diabetes vision screening is an essential part of the management of the disease and we recommend an annual check up. The same applies to the over-40s who will experience some natural change in vision but need to be alert to the possibility of serious problems which may present with very subtle symptoms that are difficult to pick up until significant vision is lost resulting in more uncertain recovery possibility. Vision screening is able to pick up many but not all eye problemsit is not a substitute for a full eye examination. Where problems are found we recommend a comprehensive examination in an eye centre."