PESHAWAR – The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Health Department has announced a major initiative to provide free eye screenings for students in government schools.
The programme aims to detect vision problems and other eye-related diseases early, ensuring timely treatment and preventing future complications.
Provincial Health Minister Khaliq-ur-Rehman visited Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC), Peshawar, to review the Ophthalmology Department and its services. During the visit, he was briefed on the department’s performance, available facilities, patient load, and ongoing medical procedures.
The minister expressed satisfaction with the quality of care provided to patients and emphasized the importance of proactive health measures.
Under the new initiative, specialist ophthalmologists, supported by hospital paramedical staff and modern diagnostic equipment, will conduct comprehensive eye examinations for school children. The programme has been designed in collaboration with the Education Department to ensure accessibility for students at both elementary and secondary school levels.
Dr. Shehzad Akbar, Dean and Professor at HMC, briefed the minister on the department’s efforts to provide high-quality treatment, maintain cleanliness in wards, and use advanced technology for eye care. He highlighted that early diagnosis of visual impairments in children is crucial for preventing long-term complications and ensuring healthy development.
The Health Department emphasized that this program is part of a broader effort to improve pediatric eye care across the province, offering preventive and curative services to students at no cost. Through this initiative, authorities aim to strengthen healthcare delivery, promote early intervention, and protect children’s vision from an early age.
