UAE’s first National Eye Disease Epidemiology Study launched at ESO 2025

UAE—The Emirates Society of Ophthalmology (ESO) has inaugurated its 22nd annual conference, ESO 2025, at the Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island.

The three-day event commenced under the leadership of Sheikha Dr. Noura Al Qassimi, President of both the ESO and the Emirates Medical Association (EMA). 

ESO 2025 has convened esteemed ophthalmologists, researchers, and healthcare experts to delve into the latest advancements in eye care and ophthalmic research.

The conference serves as a vibrant platform for exchanging knowledge, discussing emerging trends, and exploring innovative solutions poised to revolutionize diagnosing, treating, and managing eye diseases.

A highlight of the opening day was the signing of a strategic collaboration agreement between the ESO and Théa Pharma, marking the launch of the pioneering “Epidemiology Study Before Eye Complications” (ESTBEC) initiative.

This first-of-its-kind program in the UAE aims to advance eye disease research, enhance patient care, and map the prevalence of ocular diseases across the nation.

In her keynote address, Sheikha Dr. Noura Al Qassimi emphasized that the ESTBEC epidemiological research program represents a significant advancement in ophthalmic research.

She highlighted the importance of understanding the prevalence of eye diseases within the Emirati community for early detection and effective management.

She also expressed pleasure in partnering with Théa Pharmaceuticals, renowned for its commitment to research, noting that their collaboration adds credibility and valuable resources to the study.

Carol El Ajouz, General Manager of Théa Pharma Middle East, expressed gratitude to Sheikha Dr. Noura Al Qassimi for her unwavering support and vision in convening the conference.

She welcomed Dr. Marwan Al Kaabi, Chief Executive Officer of Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), and Henri Chibret, Chairman of Théa.

El Ajouz highlighted the significance of the ESTBEC initiative in identifying, analyzing, and interpreting ocular disease trends across the UAE, emphasizing its role in promoting early diagnosis and reducing the risk of disease outbreaks.

She praised the ESO for its distinguished role in education within the UAE and announced Théa Pharma Middle East’s inaugural partnership with the society.

El Ajouz explained that the initiative will focus on monitoring the epidemiology of eye diseases in the UAE, utilizing data from public hospitals and government health centers.

This groundbreaking project aims to provide invaluable insights into the prevalence and trends of eye diseases, equipping healthcare professionals with the knowledge necessary to enhance patient care and treatment outcomes.

Beyond contributing to new scientific research, the partnership prioritizes early diagnosis and prevention strategies to mitigate the risk of large-scale eye disease outbreaks by gathering and sharing reliable data.

 El Ajouz added that this collaboration aligns with the UAE’s Vision 2030 goals for a healthier and more sustainable future.

Dr. Omnia Hamam, Consultant Ophthalmologist at SSMC, stated that the initiative is dedicated to the early detection of eye diseases in the UAE, marking the transformation of a simple idea into a significant project, thanks to the ongoing support of the ESO. 

Similarly, Dr. Mona Marwan, a Cornea and Refractive Surgery Specialist, noted that the initiative’s announcement marks the first step in promoting eye health within the community.

She mentioned plans to implement comprehensive screening programs targeting prevalent and serious eye diseases, including keratoconus, glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration.

These programs will be tailored to specific age groups, ensuring accessibility for all and reinforcing the community’s commitment to improving eye health and preventing vision loss.

Théa, a pioneering independent European pharmaceutical company, is dedicated to the research, development, and commercialization of innovative eye care solutions.

With over 30 years of experience, including 12 in the UAE, Théa is a long-established family enterprise with a legacy spanning around 150 years in ophthalmology.

Henri Chibret, the owner of Théa, attended the conference to participate in the agreement signing, recognizing the UAE’s exceptional contributions to the health sector and pharmaceutical industry, which align with the latest global innovations and discoveries.

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