The recent workshops in Qatar saw wide-ranging participation from government, private, and
community schools across the country, focusing on enhancing eye health and vision screening
efforts. Participants received training in assessing visual acuity, recognizing indicators of vision
disorders, managing eye injuries, and referring cases requiring advanced care to health centers
and hospitals.
Sheikh Dr. Mohamed Hamad Al Thani, Director of the Non-Communicable Disease Prevention
Programmes Department at the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), underscored the importance
of early childhood vision screening as a cornerstone for healthy visual development. He
emphasized that early detection and intervention are vital, given children’s heavy reliance on
sight for learning during formative years. Sheikh Dr. Al Thani highlighted the necessity of
strengthening collaboration among key entities, including MoPH, the Ministry of Education and
Higher Education (MEHE), Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), Hamad Medical
Corporation (HMC), and private health providers, to ensure the success of the school eye
screening program. He praised the role of the school health framework in delivering preventive
and treatment services, including health education and medical screenings, to foster safe and
healthy school environments.
PHCC Consultant Ophthalmologist Dr. Hala Al Qadi emphasized that early detection of vision
issues is crucial in preventing long-term impairment. She explained that timely diagnosis allows
for effective treatment of conditions such as myopia, amblyopia, and strabismus, which can
significantly improve health, academic achievement, and social development. Early intervention
can halt the progression of these conditions, reducing the need for complex treatments later.
These initiatives reinforce the vital role families play in maintaining ocular health by promoting
healthy lifestyles, limiting screen time, and encouraging outdoor activities and physical exercise.
Overall, the workshops and collaborative efforts underscore Qatar’s commitment to safeguarding
children’s vision and ensuring their overall well-being through prevention, early detection, and
comprehensive care.
Reference:
Ministry of Public Health – news details. (n.d.-c). Ministry of Public Health Enhances Early
Detection Efforts for Vision Problems Among School Students.
https://www.moph.gov.qa/english/mediacenter/News/Pages/NewsDetails.aspx?ItemId=1051
