Dubai: 30 December, 2007 - Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai (MEHD), the first overseas branch of London's 200-year old institution for ophthalmic treatment, rolled out a vision screening initiative at the Jumeirah English Speaking Schools (JESS) for children between the ages of 5 and 7.

Starting with the school's campus at the Arabian Ranches, the screening was led by Keith Wilken, Senior Clinical Orthoptist at Moorfields, and included testing for Distance and Near Visual Acuity, Stereopsis (Binocular Depth Perception), Eye Muscle Balance and Movement, and Retinal or Red Reflex.

Chris Canning, CEO and Medical Director of Moorfields, said: "Conducting eye tests for children is extremely important as approximately 25 per cent of school-going children are diagnosed with vision problems. If diagnosed early, complications can be prevented in the long run as children are more responsive to treatment."

Following the vision tests, results, recommendations and a full account of the screening performed were sent home with the children for their parents' reference.

Dr. Canning added: "The JESS institutions have taken the lead in endorsing the importance of children's eye health. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the participating schools for offering their support to this new initiative."

The vision screening initiative was concluded at the JESS Jumeirah School, where the vision of approximately 80 children in the same age group was tested.

For more information on the initiative, please contact Keith Wilken on keith.wilken@moorfields.ae or call 04 429 7888.

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About Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai
Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai (MEHD) is the first overseas branch of Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, the oldest and one of the largest centres for ophthalmic treatment, teaching and research in the world.

Located at the Al Razi Medical Complex in Dubai Health Care City, the facility provides daycase surgery and outpatient diagnostic and treatment services, including emergency care, for a variety of surgical and non-surgical eye conditions.

MEHD will also raise standards for research and teaching in the region through its partnership with the Harvard Medical School Dubai Center.

MEHD is owned and managed by the NHS Foundation Trust, and maintains close links with London, including a telelink with sophisticated videoconferencing technology, to ensure that patients in the GCC receive the best eye care treatment in the world.

For further information, please visit MEHD's website at www.moorfields.ae or call 04 429 7888.

© Press Release 2007