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World Sight Day 2024 - Focus on St John Eye Hospital Group

On this World Sight Day, we celebrate not only the importance of eye health in young people but also the extraordinary stories of transformation made possible by early detection and timely medical intervention at the St John Eye Hospital Group (SJEHG) in Jerusalem.

The SJEHG plays a pivotal role in providing essential eye care to communities across the region, and has become a beacon of hope for those affected by preventable blindness and vision impairment. In 2024, the hospital has already screened over 49,000 children for visual abnormalities, with nearly 9,000 requiring further examination and treatment. This work highlights the hospital's commitment to ensuring that all people in the region have access to quality eye care.

One example of the hospital’s impact is the story of Deema Hammad, an 8-year-old from Bethlehem. Deema struggled in school, with her vision impacting her ability to keep up with her peers. Her condition went undiagnosed until St. John Eye Hospital's outreach clinic conducted a routine vision screening at her school. Deema was then referred to the main hospital in Jerusalem, where she was diagnosed with a traumatic cataract in her right eye.

The hospital’s medical team performed surgery to remove the cataract and implanted an intraocular lens (IoL), restoring Deema’s sight. This procedure not only improved her vision, but also significantly enhanced her academic performance and quality of life. Her case highlights the critical importance of early detection and the far-reaching effects of accessible healthcare.

The work of the St John Eye Hospital group doesn’t stop here. Over the years, they have treated over 135,000 patients, nearly half of whom are children. St. John Eye Hospitals rely on the support of donors to continue providing these critical services. Donations enable the hospital to offer free or subsidised care to children like Deema, ensuring that no one is left in the dark due to preventable vision loss.

To learn more about the life-changing work undertaken by the St John Eye Hospital Group, or to donate to support their mission, head to the below link now.

Children - St John Eye Hospital