The “I See Them” initiative to provide free ophthalmology services in Al-Qatina

Al-Qatina /

The “I See Them Carefully” initiative was launched in the locality of Al-Qatina in White Nile State to provide free ophthalmology services, targeting the treatment of 1,200 patients in the states of White Nile and Gezira in the areas of Al-Kadaris, Wad Al-Noura, and Al-Hilaliya, through three medical camps with 400 patients per region, with the full support of the Fadl Mohammed Khair Center for Community Service.

The Director of Makkah Ophthalmology and Surgery Hospital in Al-Kalakla, Dr. Moaz Abdul Hafeez Mohammed, said that the initiative, which is fully implemented and supported by the Fadl Mohammed Khair Center for Community Service and implemented by the Makkah Hospitals Complex of Al-Basar International Foundation, aims to deliver medical services to patients in their areas, especially those who are unable to reach hospitals.

He explained that the initiative includes examinations by ophthalmologists, optometry examinations, and the provision of medicines, prescription glasses, and reading glasses free of charge, in addition to identifying cases that require surgical intervention.

He pointed out that the first camp was launched in the Al-Kadaris area in the locality of Al-Qatina in White Nile State, and 637 patients benefited from the free camp instead of 400 patients, with the initiative set to be extended to other areas as part of a plan to reach marginalized communities that suffer from poor health services.

He stressed that the World Sight Foundation works through a network of hospitals in several states of Sudan and seeks, through the treatment camps, to bridge the gap in eye services, especially in light of the challenges associated with poor financial capacity, difficulty of access, and lack of health awareness in some areas.

He pointed out that “cataract” disease is one of the most prominent causes of blindness, highlighting the increasing number of affected individuals globally, which calls for intensified efforts to provide treatment, especially surgeries that are now performed with the latest technologies available worldwide.

He noted that Makkah hospitals have carried out thousands of free operations supported by charitable organizations during the past period to help patients after the suspension of health services in some areas due to the war.

The “I See Them Carefully” initiative supported by the Fadl Mohammed Khair Center for Community Service, is part of partnership programs between health institutions and community-based organizations to enhance access to medical care and improve vision health in rural areas.

A number of patients benefiting from the camp expressed their satisfaction with the arrival of the initiative from the Fadl Mohammed Khair Center for Community Service to the Al-Kadrais area in
White Nile State, praising the step that greatly eased the burden on patients in the area.

Hajj Abdul Qayyum Mohammed Ahmed said that he suffers from a problem with the cornea of his eye, pointing out that through meetings with the doctors in the camp, he was transferred to Makkah Eye Hospital in Al-Kalakla to undergo an operation. He expressed his thanks to those in charge of the initiative from the Fadl Mohammed Khair Center for Community Service for enduring hardships and reaching them in their area.

Tayyiba Mohammed Idris said that she came to the camp early because she heard about the distinguished services provided by the initiative, which includes competent doctors from Makkah Eye Hospital.

She added that she met the doctors in the camp, especially since she has been suffering from poor eyesight for a while and cannot afford the costs of physical therapy. She continued, “However, the initiative contributed a lot to overcoming this problem by being among us in the village of Al-Kadaris,” noting that she was given medical glasses after undergoing a medical examination. She expressed her deep gratitude and thanks to the Fadl Mohammed Khair Center for Community Service, describing it as a distinguished center.

For her part, Hajja Dar al-Salam Ali Ahmed said that she suffers from constant headaches and pain in her eyes. The doctors in the camp decided to perform an operation at Makkah Hospital in the coming period, praising the treatment provided by the medical staff in the initiative , the Fadl Mohammed Khair Center supported all services in the camp with ease and was pleased to raise her hand in prayer for their success.

“I See Them Carefully” reflects a growing commitment within White Nile State to empower communities to identify needs early and respond effectively, contributing to improved well-being and social cohesion.