The following is a letter by Chinese ophthalmologists at Dr. N.D. Abdulla Abdul Hakeem Ophthalmology Center (China-Maldives Ophthalmology Centre) to the Maldivian citizens.
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Dear Maldivian citizens,
June 6, 2023 marks the 28th "Sight Day" in China, with the theme of "Prioritizing universal eye health". This year's focus will be on two key population groups: children and adolescents, as well as the elderly. The diseases of focus are myopia and other refractive errors, cataracts, and retinal diseases (including diabetic retinopathy and macular diseases). By targeting these important eye diseases, the aim is to enhance overall eye health throughout the entire life cycle.
We are Chinese doctors stationed at the Dr. N.D. Abdulla Abdul Hakeem Ophthalmology Center from China's most renowned Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University. In patients visiting the Dr. N.D. Abdulla Abdul Hakeem Ophthalmology Center, we have found that children, adolescents, and the elderly populations require special attention in ophthalmology. This is similar to our observation in China.
In the Maldives, some children and adolescents have not developed good habits, and they excessively use electronic devices in their daily lives and studies, leading to a high prevalence of myopia. Additionally, many myopic children have not received proper medical refraction and standard optical correction, which severely disrupts their physical and mental well-being.
The Maldives, located in the tropical region, is exposed to intense ultraviolet radiation. The strong ultraviolet radiation and high proportion of sugar-rich foods in the daily diet contribute to a high prevalence of blinding eye diseases, such as cataracts and diabetic retinopathy, among elderly Maldivians. Furthermore, many elderly people are unaware of the importance of regular eye examinations. As a result, many patients do not receive timely medical care, leading to permanent visual impairments.
On the eve of China's "Sight Day," we write this letter to convey an important message - to focus universal eye health as a priority. From the perspective of eye disease prevention and treatment, we sincerely offer the following professional recommendations to our fellow Maldivians:
Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Myopia in Children and Adolescents:
Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Age-related Eye Diseases:
Dr. N.D. Abdulla Abdul Hakeem Ophthalmology Center is jointly established by the Chinese and Maldivian governments and equipped with advanced ophthalmic instruments. Our dedicated team of Chinese ophthalmologists in the Maldives is fully committed to delivering comprehensive eye care services. We extend our heartfelt wishes for the everlasting friendship between China and the Maldives!
Professor Chen Weirong and all members of the Chinese Ophthalmic Medical Expert Group in Maldives,
Dr. N.D. Abdulla Abdul Hakeem Ophthalmology Center (China-Maldives Ophthalmology Centre), Hulhumalé Hospital, Hulhumalé, Maldives,
On the eve of Chinese Sight Day in June 2023.