The prevention and treatment of diabetes-related blindness and cataracts will be key topics at the upcoming World Ophthalmology Congress 2012 (WOC2012) in Abu Dhabi next month.

WOC 2012, which will run at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) from February 16 to 20, will gather an international audience to discuss the latest ophthalmology technologies and trends.

Worldwide, cataracts are the most prevalent form of treatable blindness and WOC 2012 has dedicated multiple sessions to this subspecialty.

Hands-on training sessions in wet-labs will be available at WOC 2012, where ophthalmologists get to perform surgery on artificial eyes.

Diabetes-related blindness is a significant concern in the Middle East due a rapid increase in cases of diabetes. Member countries of the GCC report that 11.5 per cent to 20 per cent of the population has been diagnosed with diabetes and in the UAE 425,000 people suffer with the condition.

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes and presents symptoms such as blurred vision, shadows across the field of vision and a slow loss of sight, left untreated it can lead to full blindness.

“The number of diabetes cases has been increasing in the Middle East mainly due to the significant change of lifestyle in the region - particularly an increased intake of sugar and carbohydrates,” said Dr Saleh Almosabi, chair of the Local Scientific Program Coordination Committee WOC 2012.

“However, many people are unaware that both cataracts and diabetic retinopathy are preventable and treatable. The in-depth scientific program at WOC 2012 provides the ideal opportunity for the eye-health community to share the latest updates on the treatment and prevention of these conditions.”

The congress will dedicate 36 sessions to the topic of cataracts and 9 sessions to diabetic retinopathy.

WOC 2012’s scientific programme covers a range of subspecialty and topic areas in ophthalmology and eye health. Over 45 sessions have been organised by International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) member societies, these represent all ICO-affiliated regional and international societies.

Scientific sessions have been organised to deliver the latest updates in eye health by more than 2,000 internationally recognised speakers.

The scientific programme will be accompanied by an industry exhibition which includes 175 local, regional and international organisations showcasing the latest innovations in the field of ophthalmology and related products and services.

WOC 2012 is being hosted and organized by the Middle East Africa Council of Ophthalmology (MEACO), which represents the national and sub regional ophthalmological societies in Africa and the Middle East including Turkey and Iran. – TradeArabia News Service