Benghazi – The Libyan Organization for the Rights of the Visually Impaired has stressed the importance of awareness and prevention of genetic eye diseases in the country, coinciding with World Sight Day.
Sami Al-Tarkawi, head of the organization’s General Assembly, explained to the Libyan News Agency that World Sight Day is an opportunity to promote awareness about the importance of preserving sight and reducing diseases that can lead to its loss, noting that the organization works to protect the rights of the visually impaired and integrate them into society.
The organization held a seminar titled “The Impact of Genetics on Eye Diseases in Libya,” aiming to spread knowledge about the seriousness of genetic diseases and to call for the development of a national strategy to reduce them.
The organization’s president, Abdul Basit Abbas Al-Agouri, also emphasized the necessity of early medical screening for children in schools, particularly concerning eye health, due to its direct impact on preventing diseases and improving students’ learning and concentration levels.
Al-Agouri pointed to challenges facing the implementation of these measures, most notably the failure of some families to conduct thorough examinations, the manipulation of medical examination results, and a lack of awareness about the importance of early detection and treatment.
He called for designating specific hospitals or doctors for school screenings and implementing strict procedures to prevent the manipulation of results, in addition to raising family awareness about the importance of regular health follow-ups for children. This would ensure they grow up in a healthy and safe environment, enhancing their daily life opportunities and their level of learning.
It is noteworthy that World Sight Day is an annual occasion designated by the World Health Organization to highlight eye problems and ways to prevent and treat them.
This day is celebrated on the second Thursday of October each year and aims to promote awareness about the importance of eye care and conducting regular check-ups for the early detection of eye diseases.
The celebration serves to highlight that many cases of visual impairment and blindness can be prevented or treated, as well as to support national policies and global efforts aimed at reducing preventable blindness.