​

Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) celebrated World Sight Day on 14 October, under the theme of “Love Your Eyes". The health educators at QRCS's Training and Development Center held interactive informative lectures on the prevention and treatment of eye diseases, with a view to raising public awareness on how to ensure vision safety.

In the presence of Dr. Hassan Ali Kassem, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Ahmed Dib Edlibi, Head of Health Education, and staff of Workers' Health Centers, four sessions were held in English, Hindu, and Urdu for a total of 600 patients at the four health facilities in Al-Hemailah, Mesaimeer, Fereej Abdulaziz, and Zekreet.

The sessions discussed the importance of eye care, with a presentation on protective tips against eye health issues, such as: keeping the eyes clean by rinsing them with running water if exposed to chemicals; maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes eating a lot of fresh vegetables, fruits, and fish; paying attention to medications and hygiene products; and wearing sunglasses during midday.

World Sight Day is an annual day of awareness held on the second Thursday of October, to focus global attention on vision impairment, including blindness. This year, World Sight Day will take place on October 14, 2021 with the theme: Love Your Eyes.

Globally, at least 1 billion people have near or distance vision impairment that could be prevented or has yet to be addressed. Vision impairment affects people of all ages, with the majority being over the age of 50. Vision impairment and blindness can have major and long-lasting effects on all aspects of life, including daily personal activities, interacting with the community, school and work opportunities and the ability to access public services.​