Emirates News Agency
Saturday, May 19, 2012
An international team of ophthalmologists, sponsored by the UAE Red Crescent Authority(RCA), have conducted surgeries for 504 Somali patients with cataract and glaucoma.
The RCA mission for prevention and treatment of blindness has also operated several complicated eye surgeries including eye lens implant or intraocular lens (IOL).
National Eye Center, a non-governmental facility dedicated to eradication of blindness in Somalia, warns in a report that lack of efforts to combating blindness as a result of the ongoing civil war could make more than 500, 000 Somalis lose their sight and live in complete darkness.
The RCA eye drive, which is being carried out in collaboration with the Somali Manhal Charity Society, also screened more that 1500 poor patients and distributed medicines to them.