Month: February 2016

[:en]Corrective eye surgery is a science and an art – patients and doctors should agree the desired results before surgery
12 January 2016 (Dubai, United Arab Emirates): Laser eye surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures performed. It is quick, effective and life-changing for people who are able to stop wearing glasses and contact lenses, after surgery. In fact, it is now so safe, accessible and affordable that patients may not be aware of the important need to understand the type of surgery and the options, the experience of the doctor performing the procedure, the expected quality of the results, and any possible side effects.
In the UAE, prospective candidates for laser surgery need to be better informed, and use the latest technology by highly experienced consultants. if they are to get the best possible results, according to Dr. Osama Giledi, Consultant Ophthalmologist and a Specialist in Cornea and Refractive Vision Correction Surgery at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai.
How to choose the right laser corrective surgery?
Patients plan to have refractive eye surgery only once in their lives and so they should make sure that they are getting the right treatment to get the desired result.
All laser vision correction surgeries work by reshaping the cornea, the clear window at the front of the eye, so that light traveling through it is properly focused onto the retina located in the back of the eye. There are two main types of surgery – LASIK and LASEK/PRK. Traditional LASIK includes the
use of Microkeratome (Blade) to create the flap in the LASIK procedure, however, recent technology IntraLase procedures are safer and more accurate. Prospective patients need to be clear on what procedure would best suit their needs, give them the desired outcome and improved vision. They need to be sure that they are working with the right procedure, and the best technology in expert hands, before committing. Every patient should be assessed thoroughly with a comprehensive eye examination and a review of medical history to ensure they are appropriate candidates for the surgery.
Dr. Osama Giledi, who has performed more than 23,000 laser eye correction surgeries, says: “Laser eye correction is safe and complications are rare, as long as you are in expert hands. All laser surgeons should be trained, qualified and experienced in the selected procedure.”
Advanced technology
Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai uses the most advanced technology for laser refractive surgery for vision correction, providing improved performance for patients in terms of speed, precision, safety and comfort, and often allowing faster visual recovery. Moorfields is among the first private hospitals in the Middle East to invest in the Schwind Amaris 750S – the leading technology for laser treatment.
Dr. Osama concludes: “Corrective eye surgery is a science and an art – the results are literally in the eye of the beholder. In order for patients to avoid problems and get the results they are expecting they should have a very clear understanding of the procedure and what outcomes to expect through discussions with a doctor experienced in the procedure.”
Vision correction for less
Moorfields is currently offering patients (minimum age 18) a 20% reduction in charges for vision correction procedures; to qualify, the assessment must be booked and attended by 31st January 2016 and the surgery must be carried out by February 29th, 2016. The reduction offer is subject to the assessment to determine suitability for the procedure, and terms & conditions.[:ar]

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Eminent ophthalmic surgeon and glaucoma expert Professor Sir Peng Tee Khaw to lead Moorfields conference, supported by the Emirates Society of Ophthalmology and Alcon
7 December 2015 (Dubai, United Arab Emirates): Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai with the support of the Emirates Society of Ophthalmology and Alcon, will deliver a conference and practical workshop on the latest treatments for glaucoma, to be held on Wednesday December 9th, in Dubai. The conference is expected to attract more than 20 specialists from public and private hospitals across the region.
The CME-accredited conference will be led by Professor Sir Peng Tee Khaw, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon and Director of Research & Development at Moorfields Eye Hospital London; he is also the Director of the National Institute of Health‘s Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields. Sir Peng has a special interest in glaucoma in children and has developed treatments to prevent blindness among these vulnerable patients and his famous Moorfields Safer Surgery System is used throughout the world.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that cause progressive tunnel vision and, if untreated, eventually blindness through damage to the optic nerve because of a high pressure within the eye. Glaucoma is usually painless and insidiously progressive, but once the vision is lost, the damage is permanent, which is why glaucoma is described as the “silent blinding disease” or the “sneak-thief of sight”. As much as 40 per cent of the field of vision can be lost without a person noticing. The World Health Organisation estimates that Glaucoma affects around 60 million people globally. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide and the number one cause of irreversible blindness.
Dr Mohammed Sohaib Mustafa, Consultant Glaucoma Surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, and a faculty member of the glaucoma conference, said: “Unfortunately, many people with glaucoma are unaware that they have it until there is irreversible visual loss. We have a relatively young population in the Gulf region, with a high incidence of diabetes and so, as the population ages, there is a higher risk of Glaucoma. It is important to share the latest advances in a new era in the treatment of glaucoma and Moorfields is doing this for our fellow professionals across the region, as part of our hospital’s mission to support best practice.”
There is no simple cure for glaucoma yet, but it can be treated and blindness can be prevented through early diagnosis and prompt treatment. Treatment with eye drops or surgery (conventional or laser) can halt or slow-down the disease and prevent further vision loss. Research aims to uncover the various mechanisms for the abnormal levels of intra-ocular pressure, nerve damage and the role of genes.

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23 November 2015 (Dubai, United Arab Emirates): A team of volunteers fromMoorfields Eye Hospital Dubai screened 130 people in four hours (around one patient every two minutes) during World Diabetes Day 2015, to support Dubai Healthcare City’s public health screening campaign. The event took place on Saturday November 14th, at Burj Plaza in Downtown Boulevard, Dubai. The team confirmed that two visitors had diabetes – neither was aware of their condition.
The Moorfields team provided visitors with a medical history review, intra-ocular pressure tests, visualacuity checks, and retinal imaging, using state-of-the-art technology that is available at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai. Visitors received their reportswithin 10 minutes, along with a special discount offer for Lasik or Cosmetic Eye Surgery, while children enjoyed the Moorfields balloons and bracelets.
In addition to screening, eye experts from Moorfields stressed the need for regular screening and physical exercise to help prevent and treat the effects of diabetes that include eyecomplications that can cause blindness, if left uncontrolled.
Professor Robert Scott, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon and Medical Director at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, who joined the team of volunteers, said: “The World Diabetes Day screening was a great success and helped many members of the community understand the condition of their eyes. Our volunteer team also diagnosed two people with diabetes, which demonstrates the value of regular screening. Many people with diabetes have no symptoms until the eye disease is advanced. Regular eye screening should begin from an early age, regardless of whether there are vision symptoms or not.”
According to Moorfields, regular screening helps to diagnose the disease early and where vision has been lost, early simple medical treatment can help restore visual potential and prevent the requirement for more complex surgery later on.

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12 November 2015 (Dubai, United Arab Emirates): Eye experts at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai are stressing the need for regular screening and physical exercise to help prevent and treat the effects of diabetes, that include eye complications that can cause blindness, if left uncontrolled. Exercise offers bio-chemical benefits beyond weight loss, which is helpful in combating diabetes and other health problems, as it helps the body use insulin more effectively. Research has shown that regular physical activity helps to reduce the risk of a range of diseases and health conditions, including diabetes and improves the overall quality of life.
To mark World Diabetes Day 2015, Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai is supporting Dubai Healthcare City’s public health screening campaign to help educate the community about diabetes through consultations and health checks. A team of volunteers from the hospital will provide residents with a medical history review, intra-ocular pressure tests, visual acuity checks, and retinal imaging, using state-of-the-art technology that is available at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai. Moorfields expects to screen over 100 people during the event.
The DHCC Healthy living and Diabetes campaign is led by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and its member associations. The event will take place on Saturday November 14th 2015, from 4pm to 8pm, in Burj Plaza in Downtown Boulevard, Dubai.
Speaking about public education and screening, Professor Robert Scott, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon and Medical Director at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, said: “We know that vision loss is one of the most common and frightening complications of diabetes and prevention starts with regular eye examinations with good diabetic and blood pressure control, but physical exercise can also play an important role. Once diagnosed, families need to try and build a healthy lifestyle and environment that includes a good diet with plenty of exercise for all family members, in order to help the patient manage the condition.”
For example, regular strength training at least twice a week can help improve blood sugar control. This means lifting weights or working with resistance bands, or exercise moves like push-ups, lunges, and squats, which use your own body weight as resistance.
Professor Scott added: “Many people with diabetes have no symptoms until the eye disease is advanced; this is why screening is so important and why we strongly advise the community to have regular eye checks”. Regular eye screening should begin from an early age, regardless of whether there are vision symptoms or not.”
According to Moorfields, regular screening helps to diagnose the disease early and where vision has been lost, early simple medical treatment can help restore visual potential and prevent the requirement for more complex surgery later on.

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9 September 2015 (Dubai, United Arab Emirates): Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai (Moorfields), the first overseas branch of Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, was the winner of one of the top awards at the 10th World Healthcare Tourism Congress (WHTC) 2015, held under the patronage of the Government of Dubai and Dubai Health Authority, on September 6th at the Mohammed bin Rashid Academic Medical Center in Dubai Healthcare City. Moorfields was presented with the ‘International Patient Care Team of the Year’ award for 2015.
The WHTC, in association with the Institute of Healthcare Research at Cambridge Academy for Higher Education, presented the award to Moorfields at the gala awards ceremony held on September 6th at the JW Marriott Marquis hotel in Dubai.
Mr. Mariano Gonzalez, Managing Director of Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, who received the award from His Excellency Humaid Al Qutami, Chairman of Dubai Health Authority, said: “It is very gratifying to receive this particular award on behalf of Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, especially because of its emphasis on patient care and teamwork. It follows on from last year’s awards success and I believe it reflects the quality of our growing team of consultants and medical staff, who ultimately deliver the expert treatment and compassionate care to patients. The award comes as we prepare to open a new facility in Abu Dhabi and as our patient base – local, regional and international – continues to grow.”
Since opening in Dubai in 2007, Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai has treated more than 31,000 patients from more than 90 countries, as well as local and regional patients. Moorfields also puts a strong emphasis on research and teaching, which are part of the hospital’s overall mission.