LAHORE, Oct 25: The King Edward Medical University observed World Sight Day on Friday by establishing low-vision centre, skills lab and clinics in 10 districts of Punjab.

During a ceremony organised at the College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences (COAVS) of KEMU, the varsity’s Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Asad Aslam Khan gave an overview of the work done by the COAVS on prevention of blindness.

He elaborated on the formal launch of the state-of-the-art low-vision centre at the Institute of Ophthalmology, Mayo Hospital, skills lab at COAVS and low-vision clinics in 10 districts across Punjab in collaboration with Brien Holden Vision Institute, Australia, to rehabilitate the blind.

Dr Imam Yar Baig, country director of UK-based NGO Sightsavers International, highlighted their work in the country. Country manager of international NGO on eye health support, Fred Hollows Foundation, Dr Rubina Gillani said her organisation was working in the fields of human resource development and sub-specialty development in ophthalmology.

Hasan Minto emphasised the need to work on war-footing against blindness and low vision.

Dr Ghulam Nabi Qazi described the role of Universal Eye Health as a tool for access to comprehensive eye health.

At the end, Mayo Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Zahid Pervaiz highlighted the services being provided by COAVS, especially in ophthalmology, and appreciated the launch of ‘Universal Eye Health’ and low-vision clinics in various districts.