By Joseph Varghese/Staff Reporter

Glaucoma is the major cause of blindness in Qatar, according to a senior ophthalmologist at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) yesterday.
Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the 3rd Qatar Ophthalmology Conference, being held at La Cigale hotel,  Dr Zamzam al-

Baker, consultant ophthalmologist, Uveitis Ophthalmology Department, HMC said that the four day conference will discuss all the

sub specialties in ophthalmology.
Al- Baker pointed out: “We had done a major study about various causes of blindness among the patients. According to the study,  

we have identified glaucoma as the prime reason for majority of the cases of blindness in Qatar. Cataract and diabetic

retinopathy are the next major reasons in this regard.”
The official also highlighted that the cases of ocular trauma are very common in Qatar especially among labourers. She explained

“It is very high in Qatar compared to other countries especially in the West. In Canada, the case of ocular trauma is one or two

per month whereas in Qatar we get 2 or 3 per week. On certain weeks, the numbers go up even  to 5.”
The ophthalmologist continued that the conference has a number of sessions discussing several sub specialties in

ophthalmology.“We will focus on different areas of ophthalmology during the conference. These include diseases affecting retina,

cornea as well as other parts of the eye. The conference also will throw light on updated treatment, screening and surgery in

several of the diseases,” she added.   
The conference is organised by the ophthalmology department at HMC in collaboration with Uveitis Middle East Africa Council of

Ophthalmology (MEACO) group. It focuses on expanding ophthalmology knowledge and practice with special attention to current

advance in sub specialty ophthalmology approach.
The unique topic in the conference is “ocular inflammation”, where the organising committee with dedicated assistance from MEACO

uveitis division, has arranged the 4th advance Uveitis MEACO course.
About 300 medical professionals are participating in the conference. There are around 30 international delegates who have come

from different parts of the world. Al- Baker said that most of the participants are doctors while there will be some nurses and

paramedical staff.