Emirates Health Services Implements Advanced Technology for Early Detection of Vision Problems in Children Aged 6 Months and Older

Emirates Health Services (EHS) has unveiled its adoption of cutting-edge technology for the early detection of vision problems in children using the portable Spot Vision Screener. This initiative is part of the continuous efforts to enhance pediatric health and ensure they receive the highest standard of care.

The Spot Vision Screener is an innovative tool that allows for rapid and precise detection of vision issues in young children. Designed for children aged six months to five years, it will be used during routine health check-ups at Child Health and Vaccinations Clinics. This proactive screening tool targets a variety of eye conditions and will be available at 20 of EHS’ primary healthcare centers.

Dr. Kareema Alraesi, Director of Primary Healthcare Department at Emirates Health Services, stated that the adoption of the Spot Vision Screener reflects the EHS’ commitment to providing sustainable and comprehensive healthcare to all members of the UAE community, especially children, to ensure a healthy and promising future for them. This also aligns with the Innovation Strategy 2023-2026, launched by EHS last year, which aims to achieve healthcare objectives grounded in global best practices. This key goal supports the UAE's vision of enhancing health readiness and preparedness, fostering a healthy community that enjoys a high quality of life. Dr. Alraesi emphasized that EHS remains dedicated to improving the competitiveness of the healthcare sector on local, regional, and global levels.

Dr. Karima further highlighted that the Spot Vision Screener is known for its exceptional accuracy and reliability, providing precise results that help determine the need for additional examinations and treatment. This functionality plays a crucial role in preventing negative effects on children's academic and social development, while also enhancing the early detection of vision issues. She noted, "We recommend conducting

this screening every six months until the child reaches the age of five to ensure early identification of any potential problems that may impact vision or eye health."

The technology used in this screening process can detect a range of eye conditions that can affect children, including near-sightedness, farsightedness, strabismus, and astigmatism. When positive cases are identified, children are referred to specialized healthcare centers for comprehensive evaluations, diagnoses, and treatment if necessary.

Notably, the device is both fast and efficient, with screenings taking only a few seconds. It is also designed to be user-friendly, requiring minimal training, which allows healthcare professionals to operate it easily. Moreover, the device ensures a comfortable experience for children, as the screening is non-invasive and does not involve significant interaction, making it particularly well-suited for young patients.