KUWAIT: Health Minister Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi emphasized the importance of enhancing the efficiency of doctors and specialists by enabling them to review the latest medical protocols, modern diagnostic and treatment methods and advanced surgeries. This, he stated, is one of the key pillars for improving health services.

During the opening of the 23rd Ophthalmology Conference organized by the Ophthalmology Departments Council under the theme "Updates in Ophthalmology and Surgeries”, Dr Awadhi highlighted the ministry’s special interest in the ophthalmology specialty. He noted the expansion of ophthalmology departments in health ministry hospitals as part of the ministry’s efforts to decentralize health services. The goal is to establish six departments and increase specialized ophthalmology clinics at primary care centers, currently numbering 30 clinics in 20 centers.

Dr Awadhi underscored the ministry’s commitment to supporting medical conferences in various specialties, and he expressed the ministry’s dedication to the advancement of ophthalmology. Dr Ahmad Al-Foudary, Head of the Ophthalmology Departments Council and Conference Chairman, addresses during the conference the latest developments in ophthalmology medicine and surgery with the participation of experts from around the world. The scientific program includes lectures, visual displays, scientific papers, workshops and training courses covering various aspects of ophthalmic diseases and surgeries.

The conference features workshops on emergency eye injuries, cataracts, valve implantation related to high intraocular pressure, botox injections and their uses in treating certain eye diseases. Additionally, surgical courses in ophthalmic simulated surgeries are included, along with the presentation of scientific research on glaucoma and keratoconus.