Eye Health Initiative
Ibdaa’s Medical Eyewear project continued throughout the year of 2022, as 160 cases in Dheisheh Refugee Camp between the ages of 8-16 were provided medical eye glasses free of charge. This type of service was targeted for children of those ages primarily due to vision problems affecting their academic performance.
The Eye Program at Ibda’a Institution in Dheisheh Refugee Camp – Bethlehem is considered one of the important community health programs aimed at improving eye health among residents of the camp and surrounding areas. This is particularly significant due to the high need for eye examination services, vision treatment, and specialized surgical procedures that are not sufficiently available within primary healthcare services. The program was established as a community response to bridge the gap in ophthalmology services by providing an integrated pathway that begins with eye screening and early detection of vision problems, and extends to treatment referrals or surgical interventions when needed, in cooperation with local hospitals and specialized eye care centers.
The program organizes regular eye screening campaigns covering all age groups, with a particular focus on elderly people, children, and patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, who are more vulnerable to vision complications. After initial examinations, cases requiring medical or surgical intervention are referred to partner hospitals, where coordination is made to perform procedures such as cataract removal or other necessary treatments depending on the medical condition. The program also seeks to reduce the financial burden on patients through coordination with supporting organizations and healthcare partners to provide discounted services or partial coverage for certain cases.
In addition to the medical aspect, the program places great emphasis on awareness and education by organizing workshops and lectures on eye health, prevention of vision problems, and the importance of early screening, especially for school-aged children. Awareness activities are also conducted in schools and community centers to promote eye health culture and reduce future complications. Accordingly, the Eye Program at Ibda’a Institution represents an integrated model that combines direct medical services, health education, and community partnerships, aiming to improve visual health quality for camp residents and ensure fair and organized access to specialized healthcare services.
Main Achievements of the Eye Program – Ibda’a Institution
Implementation of dozens of regular eye screening campaigns in Dheisheh Camp and surrounding areas, benefiting hundreds of people from different age groups
Referral and completion of dozens of eye surgeries (such as cataract operations) in cooperation with local specialized hospitals and medical centers
Screening and follow-up of hundreds of cases suffering from vision impairment and various eye diseases as part of early detection programs
Inclusion of a large number of children in school screening and awareness programs to reduce vision problems at an early age
Reaching hundreds of direct beneficiaries through screening and treatment services, and thousands of indirect beneficiaries through awareness campaigns
Establishing effective partnerships with local eye hospitals and medical centers to facilitate referrals and reduce treatment costs for patients
Conducting regular awareness campaigns on eye health benefiting the local community inside and outside the camp
