Bahrain observes World Sight Day

Manama, Oct.8 (BNA): The Kingdom of Bahrain today marked the World Sight Day (WSD), being held this year under the theme "Eye care for all". The annual day of awareness is held on the second Thursday of October, to focus global attention on blindness and vision impairment. The Ministry of Health and the National Committee for the Prevention of Blindness (NCPB) held a joint function at the Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) in the presence of officials and ophthalmologists. Health Minister Faeqa bint Said Al-Saleh deputised Assistant Undersecretary for Training and Planning Dr. Mohammed Amine Al-Awadhi to attend the event. Leaflets featuring eye health tips were distributed and sight tests were also conducted on the sidelines of the celebration. National Committee for the Prevention of Blindness (NCPB) Deputy Chairperson Dr. Ibtissam Al-Alawi stressed the importance of the international observance day in enhancing social awareness and focusing attention on crucial health issues, including blindness and vision impairment. The World Sight Day (WSD) also aims at encouraging decision-makers in UN member countries to promote and finance national programmes for the prevention of blindness and vision impairment.