Free eye camp for Gulf News staff
Over 120 employees line up to check for myopia, astigmatism and other refractive conditions
More than 120 Gulf News employees attended a free eye check-up camp organised by a leading ophthalmic and vision correction organisation, Rivoli Eye Zone.
The camp was held on Thursday, from 9.30am to 5pm. A team of two headed by cluster optometrist Francois Van Der Merwe examined employees, conducting digital and manual assessments.
“We chiefly looked for myopia, astigmatism and other refractive conditions in people,” said Van Der Merwe. “Most people who signed up for the check-up were aware of their numbers but not alert about increase in the number or further deterioration. We were looking out for blue light damage that is caused by phone back lights, television, computers, laptops and even UV rays of the sun.” ■
Van Der Merwe has been leading his team to conduct free eye camps for students in Dubai schools, and also partnering with Noor Dubai Foundation — a Dubai-based non-governmental organisation working to prevent blindness — for eye check-ups for members of Dubai Police.
“Students often tend to be ignorant of requiring refractive correction for better eyesight and we have been able to catch such eye issues early,” added Van Der Merwe. Lavkesh Grover, an officer in Gulf News’s HR Department, said he was happy to avail the check-up.
“In this digital era, people are busy spending most of their time either on laptops or smart phones, and this is seriously impacting our eye health. My colleagues who signed up are glad they took the test as many had no time to go to the optometrist. Now they can take corrective action.”