Syria Launches Free Glaucoma Screening Campaign in Damascus
The Syrian Ministry of Health, in cooperation with the Damascus Health Directorate, launched a specialized medical campaign on Sunday titled “Early Detection of Glaucoma.” The initiative is being hosted at the Surgical Eye Hospital and Eye Bank in the capital, Damascus.
This campaign is part of a series of national health initiatives designed to raise community awareness and reduce the rising number of blindness cases caused by complications from chronic eye diseases.
Dr. Noha Al-Fayoumi, Director of the Surgical Eye Hospital and Eye Bank, emphasized that the campaign’s strategic goal is the early diagnosis of eye conditions. By identifying issues in their initial stages, medical teams can intervene with appropriate treatment protocols, which directly prevents vision deterioration and reduces the risk of permanent disability. According to Dr. Al-Fayoumi, early intervention ensures that patients can maintain their independence and continue their daily and professional lives without hindrance.
Organizers noted that the campaign specifically targets citizens over the age of 40. All examination, consultation, and treatment services provided during the event are entirely free of charge, aimed at easing the financial burden on patients. Dr. Al-Fayoumi added that this initiative is the first in a series of similar health campaigns the Ministry plans to launch in the near future to address other chronic eye conditions.
Dr. Mohammad Al-Kouko, an ophthalmologist specializing in glaucoma and head of the campaign’s organizing committee, explained that the program will run for five days, with activities concluding on September 3. He highlighted the “silent” nature of glaucoma, noting that the disease often lacks clear symptoms in its early stages. This necessitates a collective effort to increase the frequency of periodic screenings. Dr. Al-Kouko confirmed that several advanced cases have already been identified during the first few days of the campaign and have been referred for specialized follow-up care.
The initiative has been well-received by those attending, who praised the quality of the medical care. Mays Al-Qassar, a patient who benefited from the service, expressed her appreciation for the accessibility of the care, especially after struggling with symptoms such as sudden blurred vision and eye pain that had affected her work as a teacher. Another patient, Obeid Al-Sayar, who traveled from Al-Hasakah Governorate, highlighted the importance of such campaigns in providing accurate medical diagnoses and treatment support, which helps mitigate economic pressures for citizens across various Syrian provinces.
This campaign reflects the efforts of the Syrian Ministry of Health to bolster free medical services and ensure they reach the most vulnerable groups, with a focus on improving health outcomes and preserving vision through specialized care at the Surgical Eye Hospital in Damascus.
