Üsküdar University continues to contribute to public health and community well-being with its international projects in the field of eye health. The project titled 'International Eye Screening' began in 2021 as a thesis study by master's student Aykut Çağlı and achieved international success. The project, spearheaded by Üsküdar University as the main executor, achieved a first in Turkey by conducting eye screenings for 26,400 children. Within the scope of the project, detailed eye examinations were performed on 217 children in Batumi, Georgia. Eye screenings will continue in Hatay in February.
Field activities carried out in cooperation with Üsküdar University, İstanbul Bilgi University, Muş Alparslan University, BAU International University Batumi, Turkish Red Crescent, Youth Red Crescent, and Myopia Academy, offer a unique experience for students while providing significant academic contributions.
Prof. Dr. Haydar Sur: “We are working to contribute to public health”
Prof. Dr. Haydar Sur, Dean of Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine, summarized the journey of the project from its inception to the present with these words; “This project, which started in 2021 with the thesis study of our master’s student Aykut Çağlı, enabled eye screenings for primary school-aged children at an international level for the first time in Turkey. These screenings, focused on public health and community well-being, continue without interruption with our partner universities. Between December 17-22, in collaboration with Bahçeşehir University, we conducted detailed examinations for 217 children in two primary schools in Batumi, Georgia. For the first time in the field, using an iridoscope device, we performed preliminary screenings on important issues such as artificial light sensitivity, stress rings, and myopia. This process will continue with our field activities in Hatay in February. In line with our findings, we are working to develop permanent methods related to preventable factors and contribute to public health. Additionally, we are closely following TÜBİTAK and other European projects, preparing new academic publications in this field.” he said.
Prof. Dr. Sur also added that the training sessions and seminars organized with the Myopia Academy offer new experiences for students, and master’s and doctoral scholarship holders are given opportunities to participate in this project.
Lecturer Aykut Çağlı: “We aim to bring scientific activities to a broader perspective”
Project coordinator Lecturer Aykut Çağlı from İstanbul Bilgi University's Vocational School of Health Services Opticianry Program, who was involved at the project's inception, expressed Üsküdar University’s contributions as follows; “It is a great source of pride that my master’s thesis, under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Haydar Sur, is now operating in the international arena. Üsküdar University, as the main executor in this project, conducted eye screenings for 26,400 children in Turkey. We are excited to carry out this project, which serves as a role model in Turkey. As of 2025, we will continue to advance our field activities internationally with the Myopia Academy and our other partners. Furthermore, our preparations are underway to host international conferences and training sessions. With the participation of esteemed guests from health, business, and academia, we aim to bring scientific activities in this field to a broader perspective.” he said.
Towards the future with science and technology…
With this project, Üsküdar University not only contributes to eye health screenings but also produces innovative solutions for public health using scientific data.
Üsküdar University, leading internationally, continues to create an exemplary model in eye health screenings with its public health-focused approach and strong collaborations. In the light of science, this project, which gains momentum in many areas from education to health, social responsibility to academic studies, will add new international achievements in the future.
Screenings to continue in Hatay in February…
With the field activities set to continue in Hatay in February, steps will be taken towards a healthier future in the light of scientific data and academic studies.