Optometry conference gives insight into eye care awareness

Doha: Advanced methods of prevention, detection and treatment of most common visual abnormalities were discussed during a first-of-its-kind conference held in Doha yesterday.

‘Qatar First Optometry Conference’ held to coincide with the ‘World Sight day’ provided a unique platform for professionals working in the field of eye care.

The conference organised by the Al-Ahli Hospital highlighted best practices in examination of eye and attracted about 150 healthcare practitioners including optometrists, ophthalmic technicians, orthoptists, physician ophthalmologists and nurses.

“Through the conference we aim to increase knowledge among the professionals and increase awareness about importance of examining the eye. A six-hour conference will help the delegates in gaining practical tips to examination of eye and this conference will provide a unique platform for professionals working in the field of eye care, to come together and discuss routine and advance topics from the practical standpoint in the interest of optometrists,” Dr  Abdelazim Abdul Wahab Hussain, Medical Director of Al-Ahli Hospital told The Peninsula.

Optometry is an allied branch of ophthalmology which provides primary eyecare through comprehensive eye examinations to detect and treat various visual abnormalities and eye diseases catering.

“The discussions are designed for participants to gain skills to learn and understand the basics in orthoptics, assess and identify the common eye disorders and their possible solutions, enlist the different types of spectacles and write perfect prescription,” said Dr Hussain.

According to him, the conference also emphasized on the importance of prescribing contact lenses. 

“Fancy contact lenses are available in the market widely but using these lenses without a prescription can cause damage to the eye and affect vision. One session of the conference discussed the basics and fitting of contact lenses,” said Dr. Abdelazim Abdul Wahab Hussain, Medical Director of Al Ahli Hospital. 

The conference included topics including ‘eye problems and solutions’, ‘management of vision with glasses or other aids’, ‘computer vision syndrome’, and ‘nurses in ophthalmic care’. 

“The conference is very important as optometrists are in the first line of contact for any eye problem. They diagnose any disease and refer for further treatment or examination therefore it is essential to increase their knowledge and skills,” said Dalia Alasad, an optometrists at Al Ahli Hospital.

‘Qatar First Optometry Conference’ was an Accredited Group Learning Activity (Category 1) as defined by the Qatar Council for Healthcare Practitioners – Accreditation Department and is approved for a maximum of six hours.