SAUDI GAZETTE JEDDAH — Nafa Charity Society, in cooperation with Al-Saggaf Hospital and King Abdulaziz University, organized free eye checkups at a number of mosques in Jeddah in Ramadan. During the first 10 days of the holy month, the campaign tested 1,250 individuals and 30 percent of them had vision problems or other complications. While 18 percent suffering from cataract, 7 percent had sight issues related to diabetes. The tests revealed that 3 percent of the sample had pterygium, or surfer's eye, an elevated, wedge-shaped bump on the eyeball that starts on the sclera (white of the eye) and can invade the cornea. Saeed Al-Zahrani, general manager of Nafa, has said such free campaigns are crucial to public health and highlighted the roles doctors play in detecting sight defects at early states. He said all interested individuals can benefit from the service at designated mosques daily after Isha prayer. Al-Zahrani said those in need could obtain free treatment as well. Dr. Hani Al-Rihaili from King Abdul Aziz University said the campaign was part of the social responsibility efforts in view of the increasing cost of checkups at hospitals. He said they documented a large number of sight issues among children. He added that it was important to do regular and early sight checkups for diabetic persons. Similarly, he said, cataract and glaucoma patients need regular checkups. The campaign that covers 20 mosques in various districts of the city will run until the 20th of Ramadan. The districts covered include Safa, Rawabi, Kandara, Faiha, Jamia, Kilo 6, Sabil, Nasim, Nuzla, Gulail, Thaghr, Madain Fahad, Zahra, Aziziah and Waziria.
