Ramadan campaign in Dubai offers free eye screenings, glasses, medication, surgeries

Dubai: A Ramadan campaign in Dubai is offering free eye screenings, reading glasses and funding treatment, including surgeries for community members needing eye care.

The community outreach programme has been launched by Noor Dubai Foundation, a not-for-profit, non-governmental organisation established by the Dubai government to provide eye care and combat preventable blindness worldwide, in partnership with the AKCAF Association, an Indian community organisation of college alumni groups from the state of Kerala licensed by the Community Development Authority in Dubai.

The initiative, which aligns with UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s Year of Community initiative, has seen around 700 individuals, both men and women, receiving free eye screenings, the organisers said.

Also, around 200 reading glasses have been distributed to those with vision impairments, they said.

“This partnership represents our commitment to creating a long-term health impact in the community,” said Dr Manal Taryam, Board Member and CEO at Noor Dubai Foundation.

“The programme will provide free eye health including vision screening and referrals to specialised hospitals when required. The programme will also cover the treatment of those in need through providing medication, reading glasses and surgeries. Hand in hand, we are working towards a future where everyone has the right to sight.”

This initiative marks the first of many under the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Noor Dubai Foundation and AKCAF Association, aimed at addressing community eye care needs through continued support and collaboration.

Paul T Joseph, president of AKCAF Association, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with Noor Dubai Foundation through this MoU, marking a significant step towards our shared vision of community welfare. This partnership will enable us to extend free eye screening, provide reading glasses, and facilitate essential surgeries for those in need, both in the UAE and beyond. Noor Dubai Foundation’s unwavering commitment to eradicating preventable blindness aligns perfectly with AKCAF’s mission of social responsibility. We sincerely appreciate their support and look forward to making a lasting impact together.”

Shamsa Al Muhairi, a volunteer at the event, said: “It’s been an incredible experience to not just be a part of this initiative but to see how we can come together as a community to help one another. Being out here, working in the field, and interacting directly with people reminds me of the spirit of unity during Ramadan.”

The community-driven event also included the distribution of 6,700 free iftar meals, provided by AKCAF Association, to bring people together and share in the spirit of Ramadan. With the support of 227 volunteers, this partnership marks a significant step in enhancing the well-being of local communities through the joint efforts of AKCAF Association and Noor Dubai Foundation, the organisers stated.

The event was further strengthened by the support of private companies who played a vital role in ensuring eye care services and meals reached as many individuals as possible.

The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 5, 8, and 17, reinforcing collective efforts to promote good health, gender equality, economic growth, and global partnerships, the organisers said.

Noor Dubai Foundation said it continues its mission to eliminate preventable blindness and improve eye health, ensuring that quality eye care is accessible to all.