Kuwait University Celebrates World Sight Day

In celebration of World Sight Day, the Faculty of Medicine at Kuwait University, in collaboration with the Department of Cultural and Artistic Activities under the Deanship of Student Affairs, hosted the “Shoof Zain” "See WELL" community initiative at the Health Sciences Center. The event was held in the presence of Acting Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Jasem Al-Hamdan, and with the participation of the Public Authority for Disability Affairs, represented by Deputy Director General Dr. Khalifa Al-Haila'a, along with Dr. Heba Al-Hussaini, Acting Vice Dean for Research and Graduate Studies at the Faculty of Medicine.
Dr. Manal Bouhaimed, Assistant Professor in the Department of Community Medicine, Consultant Ophthalmologist, and President of the Middle East and Africa Women Ophthalmologists Society, highlighted that World Sight Day aims to raise awareness about eye-related conditions, methods of prevention, and available treatment options. She noted that the “Shoof Zain” "See WELL"  initiative, which originated at Kuwait University twenty years ago, reflects the University's ongoing commitment to promoting community health and creating a sustainable healthy environment.
The initiative was also among the first national efforts to develop ophthalmology services in Kuwait. It played a pivotal role in organizing the first global conference on the prevention of visual impairment, and contributed to the establishment of the National Committee for the Prevention of Visual Disabilities in the State of Kuwait.
Dr. Bouhaimed emphasized that the core objectives of this awareness day include:
Promoting public awareness on the importance of eye health
Educating the community on the causes of visual impairment and common eye diseases
Stressing the significance of early detection and timely treatment
Encouraging individuals to prioritize their eye health and undergo regular vision screenings
The exhibition accompanying the event featured participation from various sectors, including university departments, governmental and private institutions, such as:
The Social Care Department at the Deanship of Student Affairs – Kuwait University
The Public Authority for Disability Affairs
The Kuwait Blind Association
The Irada Volunteer Team for People with Disabilities
Optometry specialists and partners from the private sector who supported the event