Dr. Sumait Hospital proudly announces a new international publication addressing an important yet often overlooked public health issue: the impact of traditional eye medicine on vision and how culturally safe strategies can help prevent corneal blindness.
The publication, titled “Traditional Eye Medicine in Rural Somalia: Culturally Safe Harm Reduction to Prevent Corneal Blindness,” was authored by Dr. Abdulsalam Ahmed Mohamed from the Department of Ophthalmology, in collaboration with Abdullahi Abdirahman Omar. It was published in the Clinical Ophthalmology.
This research highlights the widespread use of traditional eye medicine (TEM) in rural Somalia and presents practical, culturally sensitive solutions to reduce harm while improving access to safe and effective eye care.
Key Highlights
This publication emphasizes that while traditional practices are culturally trusted and accessible, some can pose serious risks to eye health. The study calls attention to:
- The common use of substances like aloe vera, honey, breast milk, and plant extracts in treating eye conditions
- The risk of infection, toxicity, and delayed medical care associated with non-sterile applications
- The strong link between delayed treatment and severe outcomes such as corneal scarring and irreversible blindness
- The need for early clinical assessment and timely referral for eye emergencies
- The importance of culturally respectful education to guide safer practices
Why It Matters
Corneal blindness is largely preventable, yet it remains a significant cause of vision loss in low-resource settings like Somalia. Traditional eye medicine is often the first response due to barriers such as limited access to healthcare, cost, and distance.
This publication emphasizes that addressing the issue is not about rejecting culture—but about protecting vision through awareness, trust, and practical solutions. A harm-reduction approach can help communities replace harmful practices with safer alternatives while preserving cultural respect.
A Practical Approach to Safer Eye Care
The study proposes a culturally safe, harm-reduction strategy that includes:
- Community education on safe eye care practices (“protect the eye—do not put anything inside”)
- Partnering with traditional healers to encourage early referral of serious cases
- Strengthening primary eye care services and referral systems
- Expanding access through outreach programs and affordable care
These strategies aim to reduce preventable blindness while improving trust between communities and healthcare providers.
About the Research Team
Author: Dr. Abdulsalam Ahmed Mohamed
Co-author: Abdullahi Abdirahman Omar
Both authors are affiliated with Dr. Sumait Hospital and SIMAD University, contributing to advancing ophthalmology research and eye health services in Somalia.
Read the Full Article
🔗 https://doi.org/10.2147/OPTH.S594587
Dr. Sumait Hospital remains committed to advancing research, strengthening clinical excellence, and promoting evidence-based healthcare that improves patient outcomes and prevents avoidable blindness across Somalia and beyond.