MİYOMER Reached 733 Students in Azerbaijan in Its First International Field Study

Üsküdar University Myopia Application and Research Center (MİYOMER) evaluated the eye and vision health of 733 students in its first international field study conducted in the Biləsuvar (Bilesuvar) region of Azerbaijan. The program, also visited by Biləsuvar Governor Faiq Qürbətov, provided international field experience to university students. A cooperation protocol in education and scientific research was also signed between Üsküdar University and Mübariz İbrahimov Educational Complex.

The 2nd International Eye and Vision Health Screening and Education Program, organized within the scope of the project “A Bright Life with Preventable Blindness” spearheaded by Üsküdar University MİYOMER, brought together academics, ophthalmologists, health professionals, university students, and volunteers from Turkey and Azerbaijan in Biləsuvar.

In the program carried out in cooperation with public institutions and organizations, universities, the Myopia Fight Association (MİYOP-DER), Turkish Red Crescent, Youth Red Crescent, and Accessible Red Crescent, Üsküdar University combined preventive eye health studies with practical education and scientific research.

Comprehensive eye health screening was performed for 733 students

During the screenings conducted under the supervision of expert ophthalmologists, visual acuity measurements, autorefractometer evaluations, and detailed eye examinations were performed. The aim was to detect vision problems such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and amblyopia early and, when necessary, to refer students for further evaluation.

Alongside the screenings, eye health education sessions were organized to raise children's awareness of vision health. Art and music workshops were also held within the scope of the program.

Biləsuvar Governor Faiq Qürbətov visited the screening program

Biləsuvar Governor Faiq Qürbətov visited the program, organized under the main leadership of Üsküdar University MİYOMER, while the students' eye and vision health evaluations were ongoing.

University students gained international field experience

The program conducted by Üsküdar University offered university students the opportunity to participate in an international public health study. Working alongside academics, ophthalmologists, health professionals, and volunteers, the students observed preventive eye health practices firsthand and supported field organization and data collection processes.

Prof. Haydar Sur: “We aim to transform scientific knowledge into social benefit”

Prof. Haydar Sur, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Director of MİYOMER at Üsküdar University, highlighted the importance of the center conducting its first field study in Azerbaijan. Sur stated; “Our center’s first field activity being carried out in Azerbaijan is extremely valuable for our goal of elevating our scientific studies to an international level. The evaluation of the eye and vision health of 733 students once again demonstrates the importance of preventive health services. We aim to transform scientific knowledge into social benefit.” 

Sur stated that they aim to contribute to the early detection of childhood vision problems, increase public awareness of myopia, and support health policies through scientific research. He expressed that the program would pave the way for joint research and sustainable public health efforts between Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Instructor Aykut Çağlı: “A journey that started with an academic dream has today turned into an international health movement”

Project Coordinator Instructor Aykut Çağlı explained that the study began in 2021 with his master's thesis in Health Management at Üsküdar University. Highlighting the university's academic support and the contributions of faculty members, Çağlı stated that they aim to transform the results of field studies in Turkey and Azerbaijan into scientific research:

“A journey that started with an academic dream has today turned into an international health movement. For us, 733 students are not just a number, but 733 different life stories. Because behind every pair of eyes, there is a life story.”

Prof. Mehmet Yakup Tuna: “We make significant contributions to scientific collaborations”

Prof. Mehmet Yakup Tuna, a faculty member of the Department of Anatomy at Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine, stated that the program not only supports efforts to protect children's eye health but also contributes to joint research and students' field training. Tuna expressed hope that academic exchange between the two countries would open doors for new joint endeavors, adding, “We make significant contributions to scientific collaborations.”

Zeynal Abidin Kocadağ: “A strong example of inter-institutional cooperation”

Zeynal Abidin Kocadağ, Secretary-General of Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine and Founding Board Member of MİYOP-DER, emphasized that the program brought together public institutions, universities, and non-governmental organizations around a common goal:

“This study is a strong example of inter-institutional cooperation. We aim to transform this collaboration, which supports children's right to healthy vision, into lasting initiatives.”

Ophthalmologist Ayşe Nilüfer Köylüoğlu: “Early assessment is important for children's vision health”

Ayşe Nilüfer Köylüoğlu, a Board Member of MİYOP-DER and an ophthalmologist, highlighted the role of expert physicians in the screenings. Köylüoğlu stated; “Early detection of childhood vision problems is of great importance for timely referral to necessary eye examinations and follow-up processes. Early assessment is important for children's vision health.”

Köylüoğlu stated that with the program, they aim to increase children's eye health awareness and contribute to preventive health efforts.

Ophthalmologist Meryem Bulakçıbaşı: “Children may not always express vision difficulties

Ophthalmologist Meryem Bulakçıbaşı, on the other hand, stated; “Children may not always express vision difficulties. Screenings conducted at school help identify students who might have vision problems and, if necessary, refer them for comprehensive eye examinations.”

Üsküdar University signed a cooperation protocol with Mübariz İbrahimov Educational Complex

A cooperation protocol was signed between Üsküdar University and the Biləsuvar Kindergarten, Primary School, and High School Educational Complex, named after Azerbaijan's National Hero Mübariz İbrahimov. The protocol was signed by Prof. Haydar Sur, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, representing the Rector of Üsküdar University, Prof. Nazife Güngör, and Akşin Bağırov, Executive Director of Mübariz İbrahimov Educational Complex.

The protocol, expected to be valid for five years, aims to share educational experiences, examine innovative teaching methods, and develop joint scientific studies. Sur stated that strengthening relations between universities and schools would contribute to the sharing of scientific knowledge and the development of joint projects.

Akşin Bağırov, Executive Director of the Educational Complex, stated that the partnership established with Üsküdar University is an important step for the institution in terms of international collaborations. He expressed that the protocol would support experience sharing among teachers, contribute to students' academic development, and pave the way for long-term joint projects. 

The signing ceremony concluded with artistic performances.

Üsküdar University aims for joint research and school health studies

Üsküdar University MİYOMER aims for the data obtained from the screenings to be evaluated within the framework of necessary ethical and legal permissions, contributing to new research in the fields of childhood vision impairments, myopia risk factors, and preventive eye health. The center aims to prepare joint scientific publications with its stakeholders in Turkey and Azerbaijan, organize field training for university students, and develop sustainable school health programs.