Doha - Eye tests have been made compulsory for school students in Qatar as part of a national campaign to prevent serious eye disorders among children.
The campaign was launched by the National Committee for the Prevention of Blindness last year in coordination with the Ophthalmology Department at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC).
Talking to The Peninsula yesterday, Dr Hamad Mohammed Al Gamra, a consultant with the department, said the campaign, supported by the Ministry of Education, has evoked a positive response from schools.
The schools are now being asked to procure 'vision examination certificates' for all their students in the elementary and primary levels. This certificate is to be made compulsory for all children seeking admission to any of the private or government schools in the country, he added.
The national committee, headed by Dr Fatima Al Mansouri, comprises representatives from the National Health Authority (NHA), HMC, Ministry of Education and the Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA), among others.
"The idea is to conduct eye check-ups on all children in Qatar at an early age and provide a certificate, like the immunisation cards. Early detection can do a lot in preventing serious eye disorders, including blindness," Hamad Mohammed said.
He said studies have shown that about 15 per cent of children in Qatar are suffering from eye problems which are normally referred as "error of refraction" and can be treated effectively if detected at an early stage. If ignored, this can lead to defective vision and even blindness at a later stage in life.
All babies in Qatar are now being provided this certificate by the hospitals where they are born. Apart from the Women's Hospital, all private hospitals have also been asked to conduct the tests and issue certificates, he added.
The children will undergo follow-up check ups at the primary health centres at least once a year until they reach school-going age. The tests will continue at the school at the elementary and primary levels.
In case of children who are already enrolled in schools, it is the duty of the schools to conduct the tests and prepare the cards. The national committee has already distributed copies of the certificate to the schools. This has to be properly filled in by the schools after the tests. They are also available at the Ophthalmology Department at HMC and the school health department affiliated to the primary health centres.
Nurses at government schools have been trained by the national committee to conduct the tests. Private schools have been asked to follow a similar system or find other ways to conduct the tests on a regular basis.
"Qatar is a pioneer in introducing this unique project. Within the next few years, all children in the country will be holding a document that guarantees them better eye care," said Hamad Mohammed.
By Mohammed Iqbal
© The Peninsula 2006
