RAWALPINDI: Al-Shifa Trust (AST) issued a compelling call for mandatory eye screenings for all children at the time of school admission.

If identified and treated early, vision problems can be prevented from leading to serious eye diseases. The non-profit organisation stressed the critical need for immediate action to address this pressing issue and ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Dr Najam, General Manager of Al-Shifa Centre for Community Ophthalmology, said this issue needs immediate attention to address the rising vision problems. Early treatment is crucial to prevent vision loss rather than expensive medical interventions later.

Talking to the media, he said that at least 50 to 60 percent of school-going children suffer from different vision problems. However, if identified and treated early, these issues can be prevented from leading to serious eye diseases.

He added that many children remain undiagnosed due to a lack of awareness, financial constraints, and limited access to eye care. However, early detection and correction improve concentration and learning ability, significantly enhancing their prospects.

Dr Najam said that in many far-flung areas, as much as 50 percent of the children suffer from eye problems, which is shocking as delayed intervention can lead to permanent vision loss in some cases. In some of the remote areas, fifty to sixty percent of the children were diagnosed with eye problems, including hazy vision, congenital cataracts, and myopia.

He stated that the Al-Shifa Centre for Community Ophthalmology’s primary goal is to arrange school screening eye camps to assist children suffering from eye diseases and to inform them about preventive measures.

He informed that AST initiated its outreach project in 1992.

He added that during the financial year 2024-25, the centre screened over 350,000 children at school screening camps. He emphasised that eye-related issues are rising at a concerning rate; thus, public and private entities must enhance their efforts to address this challenge.

Dr Najam highlighted that many countries have successfully implemented school-based eye screening programs. These models, which have improved academic performance and reduced vision-related disabilities, should inspire and motivate us to follow suit.

Published in Dawn, March 18th, 2025