Examinations of 4,840 girls and boys in the Sahrawi camps

In March, eye examinations began in nurseries and primary schools across the Sahrawi refugee camps. To carry out this work, teams were organized consisting of optometrists, assistants, and staff from Eyes of the world, who were responsible for coordinating visits, speaking with families, and recording all the data for digitization.

During the month of April, 22 nurseries were visited. The screenings were carried out by three optometrists, two of whom specialized in pediatric vision therapy. The screenings were conducted using a retinoscope, and cases requiring more comprehensive care were referred to the ophthalmology center at Rabuni National Hospital. In total, vision screenings were performed on 824 girls and 768 boys, of whom 69 required referral to the Rabuni center.

During the second half of March and throughout April, screenings were also conducted in 13 primary schools in the wilayas of Smara and Auserd. The examinations were carried out by two optometrists specialized in retinoscopy, together with the optometrist from each wilaya. Visual acuity tests and basic examinations using a portable slit lamp were performed. When a vision problem was detected, the case was referred to the clinic in each wilaya, except for the more complex cases requiring specialized care, which were referred to the Rabuni ophthalmology center. In total, vision screenings were carried out for 1,686 girls and 1,562 boys, of whom 342 were referred for further examination.

The Eyes of the Sahara project is supported by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID).