UAE, 22nd January 2012: The prevention and treatment of diabetes-related blindness and cataracts will be key topics at the World Ophthalmology Congress 2012 (WOC2012), being held in Abu Dhabi in February. WOC 2012, which will run at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) 16 – 20 February 2012 brings together a truly international audience to explore insights into 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 Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) report that 11.5% to 20.0% 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.
Dr Saleh Almosabi, Chair of the Local Scientific Program Coordination Committee WOC 2012 said: “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. 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 in-depth scientific program 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 program 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. In addition to the world congress, Abu Dhabi will host the 12th International Congress of the Middle East Africa Council of Ophthalmology (MEACO).
For further information on WOC2012 or to register, please visit www.woc2012.org