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6th Asia-Pacific Eye Care Week
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The 6th Asia-Pacific Eye Care Week was held during the second week of October, from Oct. 10 to 16, in conjunction with World Sight Day 2016 on Oct. 13.
In celebrating the 6th Asia-Pacific Eye Care Week, the Scientific Subcommittee of the Ophthalmological Society of Bangladesh (OSB) aimed to not only raise awareness of the two chosen themes, but also tried to spread the word about APAO in general. The society organized seminars on both diabetic macular edema and corneal infections in Asia at local hospitals and universities. APAO Vice President Prof. Ava Hossain was the guest of honor at one such seminar.
Images: APAO
Additionally, the OSB organized an outreach program for patients and their families during the 6th Eye Care Week. To further raise awareness of eye health and eye diseases, two prominent members of OSB appeared on different television programs in Bangladesh. The society also distributed protective goggles to local farmers to help protect against agricultural trauma.
In Hong Kong, the joint Public Education Committee of the College of Ophthalmologists of Hong Kong (COHK) and APAO Member Society the Hong Kong Ophthalmological Society (HKOS) chose the theme of diabetic macular edema for their 2016 public education campaign, which included events during the 6th Asia-Pacific Eye Care Week.
After completing a survey of public awareness of diabetic eye diseases in August, questionnaires were analyzed and the results revealed at a press conference on Oct. 11. The joint COHK-HKOS committee also organized a free public screening event on Oct. 23 targeting 150 diabetic patients. The screenings included mydriatic exams with indirect biomicroscopy, with or without OCT. Some patients with diabetes-related eye complications were identified and referred accordingly.
Dr. Wing Man Ko, BBS, JP, Secretary for Food and Health of the Hong Kong SAR Government, was the guest of honor at the event. Celebrities Mr. Evergreen Mak and Mr. Ram Chiang were also in attendance as “Diabetic Eye Care Ambassadors” of the campaign. They shared some healthy diet tips and urged diabetics to get early eye checkups.
Additionally, representatives from HKOS conducted interviews on the topic of diabetic macular edema on RTHK Radio 5 and TVB, one of the major TV channels. In local newspapers, more than 100 news clippings were published about the Eye Care Week activities.
In Thailand, the Royal College of Ophthalmologists of Thailand (RCOPT) translated the educational materials for the 6th Asia-Pacific Eye Care Week into Thai. They were then issued with a press release. A live radio interview was also scheduled for the event.
Additionally, RCOPT published a book about eye health to increase public awareness of important eye diseases. The college dedicated the book to both the 6th Asia-Pacific Eye Care Week and World Sight Day 2016, and sales were launched at Thailand’s National Book Fair.
The Academy is grateful to all member societies and individuals who participated in this growing event. Additionally, APAO thanks the Asia Cornea Society and Asia-Pacific Vitreo-retina Society for their support and assistance in preparing this year’s educational materials.
For more details and photos of the 6th Eye Care Week, please visit http://www.apaophth.org/sixth-asia-pacific-eye-care-week/. To submit reports of Eye Care Week activities, please email Ms. Sydney Stonner at sydneystonner@apaophth.org.