Welcare Eye Center Provides Screening Program at Rashid Pediatric Center, Al Noor Center and Al Ihsan Charitable Center

Dubai, March 12th, 2008:  Special needs children at Rashid Pediatric Center, Al Noor Center and Al Ihsan Charitable Center have been receiving medical care as part of an eye screening program initiated by Dr. Gurdeep Singh, a Specialist Pediatric Ophthalmologist at Welcare Eye Center.

Just as children should visit the pediatrician and the dentist they should also see a licensed eye care specialist to screen for vision problems.  The Welcare Eye Center team performs vision examinations to detect children with distance or near vision errors, alongside with examining those children already wearing glasses for any possible refractive changes  It is a known fact that children with learning disabilities are more prone to eye problems needing more regular screenings.

"50% of a child's learning occurs visually and when you work with children with learning disabilities this is an extra problem that needs to be addressed," says Dr. Haki E. Abraheem, General Manager at Al Ihsan Medical Center.  "We are delighted that the Welcare Eye Center are volunteering their services as otherwise we would not be able to fund private care," she added.

The screening program began in November with the team examining over 100 children.  The program will rotate so that each child is examined regularly every 6 months to monitor any changes.  Children with special needs have a higher incidence of visual defects and it is essential that they receive regular testing and screening for visual problems.

According to Dr. Gurdeep Singh, Specialist Paediatric Ophthalmologist at Welcare Eye Center, "The most common problems that we encountered were squints, which can lead to lazy eye, wobbly or flickering eyes and nasolacrimal duct obstructions, all of which had previously not been detected.  Early detection allows for a more effective treatment and can make a difference to a child's development."

The screening program is an ongoing initiative and strives to maintain the visual health of the children attending these centers.

-Ends-

About Welcare Eye Center 
Welcare Eye Center is an integral part of Welcare World Health Systems which has access to the internationally recognized medical talents of the Group. 

Welcare Eye Center was opened in April, 2006. A technologically advanced sub-specialty outpatient practice in Ophthalmology, the center has since re-launched at Dubai Healthcare City. It offers the latest in visual rehabilitation and stem cell cornea & retina transplant protocols. Other services include:

• Refractive Corneal Surgery (LASIK - Wavefront)

• Latest Laser technique for glaucoma cases

• Pediatric Ophthalmology: Ortokeratology for children ("No glasses") Squint Correction

• Diagnostic Optical Coherence Topography & Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy

• Management of Cataract and Lens Opacities

• Low Vision Aid Testing, Dispensing & Vocational

• Training for Visually Impaired

• Uvea and Ocular Immunology

About Welcare World Health Systems
Welcare World Health Systems (WWHS),  owned by the Dubai based Varkey Group, Medi-Clinic Corporation (South Africa) and GE Healthcare, is a leading healthcare provider in the UAE.  Medi-Clinic Corporation manages 51 hospitals in South Africa and 3 in Namibia. It also owns Hirslanden AG, the leading private hospital group in Switzerland, with 13 hospitals. The knowledge and expertise of these two companies will provide Welcare with an excellent platform for cross referrals, offering an unparalleled service in the healthcare industry.

Welcare World's expertise is in the development and management of hospitals and clinics and the provision of healthcare consultancy services. To bring the added value of best-practices in medicine and contemporary healthcare management solutions, Welcare World has created strategic alliances with internationally reputed healthcare institutions, and combines these cutting edge practices of quality with its in house capabilities and experience.

Welcare World Health Systems manages a number of facilities including the Welcare Hospital, Emirates Diagnostic Clinic, Welcare Ambulatory Care Centre, Welcare Eye Centre, Welcare Al Qusais Clinic, Welcare Diagnostic & Treatment Centre - Oman, and the clinic under construction  in Uptown Mirdiff.

For further information, access the website: www.welcareworld.com

For more information, please contact:
Roisin Lillis
ASDA'A Public Relations
Exclusive Affiliate of Edelman PR Worldwide
in Middle East and North Africa
P O Box 28063
Dubai, UAE
Tel : (971 50) 390 4526
Fax : (971 4) 3344556
r.lillis@asdaa.com
www.asdaa.com

© Press Release 2008