The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in Qatar has launched a school-based eye screening programme, conducting a series of training workshops for healthcare staff in government and private schools. The initiative, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE) and the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), aims to enhance the early detection of visual problems in children.
The workshops, which saw significant participation from schools across Qatar, focused on training staff in assessing visual acuity, identifying signs of vision disorders, and responding to eye injuries. Participants were also taught how to refer cases requiring further medical attention to health centres and hospitals.
Enhancing Vision Health through Early Detection
Sheikh Dr Mohamed Hamad Al Thani, Director of Non-Communicable Disease Prevention Programmes Department at MoPH, highlighted the importance of vision screening in the early years of life. “Vision screening is a key foundation for promoting healthy visual development in children and supports the early identification and treatment of visual problems,” he emphasised. According to Dr Al Thani, studies have shown that children rely heavily on their sense of sight during their formative years, making early detection crucial.
The programme underscores the need for strengthened cooperation among the MoPH, MEHE, PHCC, and the private health sector. Dr Al Thani praised the school health framework’s central role in prevention and treatment through health education and medical screening.
The Role of Early Detection in Preventing Visual Impairment
Dr Hala Al Qadi, a PHCC Consultant Ophthalmologist, noted that early detection of vision problems is essential for preventing visual impairment. Timely intervention can offer effective treatment opportunities and prevent the progression of cases to more complex stages. Conditions such as short-sightedness, amblyopia, and strabismus can be successfully treated if identified early, positively impacting public health, academic performance, and the psychological and social development of the child.
The programme also highlights the crucial role of families in maintaining their children’s ocular health. Adopting healthy lifestyles, limiting screen time, and encouraging physical activity and outdoor pursuits can contribute to overall bodily health and good vision.
Promoting Healthy Vision in Schools
The MoPH’s initiative demonstrates its commitment to enhancing vision health among children. By strengthening the capacity of healthcare staff in schools, the programme aims to ensure that visual problems are detected and addressed early. The collaboration between the MoPH, MEHE, and PHCC is expected to have a positive impact on the overall health and well-being of children in Qatar.
As the programme continues to roll out, it is likely that more schools will be involved, and additional training workshops will be conducted. The success of the initiative will depend on sustained collaboration among the stakeholders and the continued commitment of healthcare staff and families to promoting healthy vision in children. The next phase of the programme is expected to focus on evaluating its effectiveness and identifying areas for further improvement.
