Emirates Ophthalmology Congress 2008 to pick up case on blindness prevention

This annual event, which is dedicated to ophthalmologists, optometrists, mid-level eye care providers and ophthalmic nurses from across the region, aims to promote and keep attendees up-to-date with the latest ophthalmic techniques and research as well as encourage skill transfer among ophthalmologists in the region.

Thirty imminent speakers from the European Vitreo-Retina Society (EVRS) and the Egypt Society for Ocular Implants & Refractive Surgery (ESOIRS) will preside over the proceedings of the conference. Medical companies from around the world will present their latest medical products and equipment.

The conference set to feature medical sessions - including a live surgery session transmitted live from Dubai Hospital to delegates at the conference- near live surgery sessions and theoretical learning sessions in addition to instruction and skill transfer courses and wet-labs.

"The Emirates Ophthalmology Congress presents a great opportunity for all participants to enhance and update their knowledge in the science of ophthalmology and technology and discuss the latest international trends in the treatment of various eye diseases and conditions,"

said His Excellency Mr. Qadhi Murooshid Director General of the Dubai Health Authority.

"The EMAOS complements our objective to raise awareness about vision impairment and establishing a comprehensive national eye care plan with partnerships between NGOs, professional organizations and other civil society groups."

According to the World Health Organization, 161 million people in the world are visually impaired with 37 million of them being blind and 124 million of them having low levels of vision. The organization predicts that without immediate intervention these numbers will rise to 75 million and 200 million respectively by the year 2020.

"People would be surprised to know that 75 percent of blindness is preventable or curable," said Dr. Manal Taryam, the President of EMAOS and a senior retinologist at the Dubai Health Authority. "During this conference, we will be focusing on delivering appropriate awareness on blindness prevention and early treatment, which can reverse the increasing trend toward permanent vision loss in the region."

The UAE national committee for prevention of blindness, which was established in 2006 by a ministerial decree, found that the major causes of avoidable blindness in the UAE are cataracts, Diabetic Retinopathy, Childhood blindness and Eye Trauma.

"Eye disease caused by Diabetes is one of the leading causes of visual loss in the GCC countries. People with diabetes are estimated to be 25 times more likely to develop blindness than people without diabetes," added Dr. Taryam. "Obesity which is posing an emerging health care problem is considered a major risk factor in the development of diabetes in the region. Presently more than 16 million people are living with diabetes in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and the number is expected to rise to almost 43 million by the year 2025."

According to Taryam, the conference will also feature a special session and a workshop detailing best practices in blindness prevention in the GCC, where delegates from around the region will share their experience and insights on how to eliminate blindness and visual impairment in accordance with the World Health Organization's Vision 2020 program.

The 'VISION 2020: The Right to Sight' programme was launched on February 18th 1999 by the World Health Organization (WHO). The aim of the programme is to eliminate avoidable blindness by the year 2020.

The conference, which will take place at the Inter Continental Hotel, Dubai Festival City will host the general assembly and board elections of the Pan Arab Ophthalmology.

Established in 1984 as a non-profit organization, EMAOS consists of 162 members and considered as one of the most active societies of the Emirates Medical Association. EMAOS is affiliated with the International Federation for Ophthalmologic Societies, the Middle East African Council of Ophthalmology and the Pan Arab ophthalmology Association.

MCI- Dubai, part of the international MCI, the leading association, communication and event Management Company, will be the local conference organizer for the event. MCI, which is servicing several health care related congresses in the region, will handle all local logistics, registration and local promotion.