HMC Hosts Campaign to Highlight World Optometry Day 2024

HMC observes World Optometry Day with a public campaign under the theme: “A better vision leads to a better life”

To highlight the vital role of optometry in eye care and promote awareness about maintaining good vision, Hamad Medical Corporation has again this year observed World Optometry Day with a public campaign under the theme: “A better vision leads to a better life”.

The objectives of the day observed annually on March 23 included advocating eye health, emphasizing the contributions of optometrists, combating vision impairment, educating the public, advocating for optometric services, fostering collaboration, commending achievements, and promoting research and innovation.

Every year, the World Council of Optometry (WCO) celebrates World Optometry Week (21 to 25 March) and World Optometry Day (23 March) to urge support for colleagues in the field of optometry, and to increase awareness of the role of clinical optometry and the health aspects of optometry around the world.

Through various activities like public campaigns, community engagement, education, and advocacy, the day seeks to improve global eye health outcomes, to create awareness of the importance of the optometry profession around the world, to serve as reminders of optometry services and to remind about the role of clinical optometry globally and locally.

HMC campaign featured different activities such as visual acuity screening to provide free visual acuity tests to assess participants' clarity of vision and identify any potential refractive errors.

Visual function assessment was conducted to evaluate participants' visual function, including depth perception, peripheral vision, and eye movement coordination. Color vision testing offered color vision screenings to detect color deficiencies or impairments among participants.

Binocular vision examination assessed participants' binocular vision and depth perception abilities while low vision consultation offered consultations and resources for individuals with low vision to help them maximize their remaining vision and improve their quality of life.

Optometry staff utilized cutting-edge facilities to conduct contact lens screenings, providing participants with information about contact lens options and fittings in addition to conducting education sessions on refractive errors to raise awareness about different types of refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. These sessions also covered the assessment and management options available for each type of refractive error.

Speaking about the campaign, Dr Nabila Al-Tamimi, Head of Optometry at HMC and Senior Clinical Scientist stressed that education is key to understanding and managing eye health. “Our campaign provides resources and information about different eye conditions, treatment options, and preventive measures to empower participants to take control of their eye health. We also encouraged follow-up appointments and screenings to monitor eye health, track any changes, and adjust treatments as needed. Participants were advised to maintain regular communication with their optometrist for optimal eye care in addition to sharing their knowledge and experiences with family, friends, and community members to raise awareness about the importance of eye care and promote a culture of proactive eye health management,” she added.

Source:  Hamad Medical Corporation