Doctor launches Ramadan mission to check thousands of labourers for poor eyesight

Thousands of labourers will be able to see clearer thanks to one man’s Ramadan mission to screen as many workers as possible for vision problems.

Dr Mohammed Faizeen Bhyat (pictured centre) and his team of volunteers will be carrying out free vision tests in labour camps across the UAE, checking at least 250 per day.

Free spectacles will be provided to those in need, which has prompted Bhyat to ask the public to donate unwanted pairs. The doctor said experience revealed many labourers have undiagnosed vision problems.

“We treated some labourers before and it’s amazing when they put on glasses and they get to see clearly,” he said. “You should see the smile on their faces when they can finally see what time it is properly.”

Bhyat, who works for The Vision Centre in Dubai revealed that construction firm Arabtec has signed up for the screenings, so abut 5,000 labourers will have their eyes checked. Camps in Jebel Ali and Al Quoz are also due a visit from Bhyat’s volunteers and their mobile bus clinic from tomorrow. They will focus on workers who cannot afford glasses or an eye test.

“Many don’t realize a pair of reading glasses will solve their problem,” said Bhyat, who earmarked Dhs500,000 of his own funds to giving free screenings in the
UAE before this Ramadan campaign.

In the past four years he has screened 8,000 people without charge.

“We can detect low vision and catch for curable diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes and refractive error,” he added. Bhyat said people can donate old unbroken specs by calling 04 351 2282.

sarwat@7days.ae