A First in Türkiye! Eye Screening Conducted for 26,400 Children
Üsküdar University continues to contribute to public and community health through its international projects in the field of eye health. The project titled “International Eye Screening” started in 2021 as a thesis project by graduate student Aykut Çağlı and has achieved international success. The project, led by Üsküdar University, successfully screened the eyes of 26,400 children, marking a first in Türkiye. As part of the project, 217 children in Batumi, Georgia, underwent detailed eye examinations. The eye screenings will continue in Hatay in February.
In collaboration with Istanbul Bilgi University, Muş Alparslan University, BAU International University Batumi, Turkish Red Crescent, Young Red Crescent, and the Myopia Academy, the field activities of the project offer unique experiences for students while making significant academic contributions.
Prof. Haydar Sur: “We work to contribute to public health”
Prof. Haydar Sur, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Üsküdar University, summarized the progress of the project since its inception: “This project, which began in 2021 with the thesis of our graduate student Aykut Çağlı, enabled the first-ever eye screening for primary school-aged children internationally in Türkiye. Our screenings, focused on public and community health, continue relentlessly with our partner universities. Between December 17-22, in collaboration with Bahçeşehir University, we conducted detailed examinations of 217 children in two primary schools in Batumi, Georgia. For the first time in the field, we used the iridoscopy device to conduct preliminary screenings on topics such as artificial light sensitivity, stress rings, and myopia. In February, our field activities in Hatay will continue. Based on the findings, we are working to develop permanent methods for preventable factors and contribute to public health. Additionally, we are closely following TÜBİTAK and other European projects and preparing new academic publications in this field.”
Prof. Sur also mentioned that the training sessions and seminars held with the Myopia Academy provided new experiences for students, and the opportunity for graduate and doctoral scholarship recipients to participate in the project.
Instructor Aykut Çağlı: “We aim to expand scientific activities to a broader perspective”
Project coordinator Aykut Çağlı, an Instructor at Bilgi University Health Services Vocational School’s Opticianry Program, who was involved at the beginning of the project, expressed his appreciation for Üsküdar University’s contributions: “It is a great source of pride that my graduate thesis is now operating internationally under the guidance of Prof. Haydar Sur. Üsküdar University, as the main executor of this project, has carried out eye screenings for 26,400 children in Türkiye. We are excited to carry out this pioneering project in Türkiye. Starting from 2025, we will continue to advance our field activities internationally in collaboration with the Myopia Academy and our other partners. Additionally, we are preparing to host international conferences and training sessions. We aim to expand scientific activities in this field with the participation of valuable guests from the health, business, and academic sectors.”
Towards the future with science and technology
Through this project, Üsküdar University not only contributes to eye health screenings but also produces innovative solutions for public health using scientific data. Leading internationally, Üsküdar University continues to create a model in eye health screenings with its public health-focused approach and strong collaborations. In the light of science, this project, which has gained momentum in many fields from education to health, social responsibility to academic studies, will continue to add new international successes in the future.
Screenings will continue in Hatay in february...
Field activities in Hatay, which will continue in February, will take further steps toward a healthier future, based on scientific data and academic studies.
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)