Within the scope of the “Aydınlık Bir Yaşam Projesi” in Sultanbeyli, Istanbul, 8 different simultaneous eye screening stations were set up for the first time in Turkey. The project is being carried out with a public, university, civil society model in cooperation with Üsküdar University, Istanbul Bilgi University, Muş Alparslan University, Sultanbeyli District Governorship, Sultanbeyli District Health Directorate, Sultanbeyli District National Education Directorate, and the Turkish Red Crescent. In this context, painting, music, and eye health workshops were also organized to support children's cognitive and artistic development. With this pioneering application, carried out for the eye health of hundreds of children, it was aimed to support children's academic and social development through early diagnosis.
Within the scope of the eye and hearing screening protocol conducted with the Sultanbeyli District Health Directorate, eye screening was performed for 766 students at Sultanbeyli Mehmet Corcor Primary School.
During the screenings, basic eye problems that could affect children's quality of life, such as visual acuity, pupillary distance, autorefractometry, iridoscopy, strabismus, and color blindness, were evaluated.
Students deemed necessary were referred to health institutions for further examination and treatment.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Akif Sezerol: “A healthy child means a healthy generation”
Sultanbeyli District Health Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Akif Sezerol emphasized the importance of the application. Sezerol stated; “This comprehensive eye screening conducted in our district is an exemplary study showing how effectively preventive health services can be implemented in the field. This collaboration model, carried out with public institutions, universities, and volunteers, is exemplary. A health problem detected early can prevent much larger social and economic burdens in the future. A healthy child means a healthy generation. Children identified in the field are being followed up with our main implementers. Thanks to these efforts, families are becoming more aware, and our children's contact with the healthcare system is strengthening. The continuity of such field applications is of great importance, especially in rural and access-restricted areas.” he said.
Prof. Dr. Haydar Sur: “The foundation of a healthy society begins with children”
Prof. Dr. Haydar Sur, Dean of the Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine, provided information on the importance of eye health screening; “This model is the most effective form of public health brought to the field. Early diagnosis is not only a medical intervention but also a matter of education and equal opportunity. The foundation of a healthy society begins with children. The preventive aspect of medicine always takes precedence over treatment. With such screenings, we introduce our children to the preventive healthcare system as early as their school years. At the same time, our medical faculty students will have the opportunity to intern and gain experience in early diagnosis, public health, and field applications by taking part in this field. This experience will contribute to both their professional development and their learning of public health components on site.” he said.
Lecturer Aykut Çağlı: “We are building a strong bridge between scientific knowledge and practice”
Aykut Çağlı, Lecturer of the Istanbul Bilgi University Opticianry Program and project coordinator, stated that health awareness was increased within the scope of the project. Çağlı said; “In these screenings, we see not just the students, but actually the future. Every screening is an investment in children's educational success, social adaptation, and quality of life. The field data from our project is being converted into academic publications. In this way, we are building a strong bridge between scientific knowledge and practice. The newly developed screening model, with 8 simultaneous stations, 3 workshops, and advanced measurement techniques, was implemented for the first time in Turkey. Thanks to the new screening models, we can reach our children quickly, safely, and effectively, and carry out field activities much more systematically. Our opticianry program students actively participate in these studies, gaining the opportunity to develop their professional knowledge and skills through a practical training process in the field. At the same time, they experience the individual responsibility of directly contributing to public health on site.” he added.
The application aims for sustainability
Within the scope of the project, both children's contact with the healthcare system is increased, and health awareness is raised throughout society.
The application, which also contributes positively to educational life, aims to become a sustainable model.