Dr. Sumait Hospital, in collaboration with Direct Aid and the Ministry of Health and Human Services – Federal Government of Somalia, successfully commemorated World Sight Day 2026 under the global theme “Love Your Eyes.” The event brought together ophthalmologists, healthcare professionals, students, researchers, humanitarian partners, and public health leaders to raise awareness about eye health and discuss practical ways to improve access to quality eye-care services across Somalia.
As part of the celebration, Dr. Sumait Hospital organized a one-day Ophthalmology Workshop & Training, providing students and healthcare professionals with an opportunity to strengthen their knowledge and practical understanding of eye care. The workshop featured experienced specialists who shared their clinical knowledge, research, and professional experience in ophthalmology, optometry, orthoptics, and vision care.
Ophthalmology Workshop & Training
The workshop began with a session led by Dr. Abdulsalam Ahmed Ga’al, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Senior Researcher at Dr. Sumait Hospital and Senior Lecturer at SIMAD University. His session focused on eye health, patient care, clinical practice, and the management of important eye conditions.
The final training session was delivered by Dr. Abdul Salam Khan, Consultant Optometrist & Orthoptist at Al-Ihsaan Specialist Hospital. He focused on optometry, orthoptics, vision assessment, refractive errors, and eye-health counselling, providing participants with practical knowledge related to vision assessment and management.
Expert Keynote Presentations
The World Sight Day program featured a series of keynote presentations from distinguished eye-care and public health experts.
Dr. Abdirahman Ali Basha (Dr. Guled), Consultant Ophthalmologist at Al-Ihsaan Specialist Hospital and President of the Somali Ophthalmological Society (SOS), presented on “From Screening to Sight: Strengthening Eye-Care Referral Pathways and Professional Collaboration in Somalia.” His presentation highlighted the importance of effective referral systems and professional collaboration in improving eye-care services.
Dr. Abdullah Ali Hussain, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Cornea, Cataract & Refractive Surgeon at Al Ihsan Specialist Hospital and Founder of Somali Eye Care, presented on “Protecting the Cornea: Early Detection and Management of Corneal Disease and Injury.” His presentation emphasized early detection and appropriate management of corneal conditions and injuries.
Dr. Sadia Abdikarim Orey, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Eye Surgeon specializing in Oculoplastic and Complex Eye Surgery, presented on “Preventing Avoidable Vision Loss: A Practical Approach to Common Eye Diseases.” Her session highlighted practical approaches to preventing vision loss caused by common eye conditions.
Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Ahmed, Head of National Eye Health at the Federal Ministry of Health, Somalia, presented “Eye Health Situations in Somalia: A Situational Analysis.” His presentation provided an overview of the current eye-health situation in Somalia and the challenges affecting access to eye-care services.
Dr. Mohamed Siyad Hassan, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Medical Director at Somali Sudanese Specialized Hospital, Lecturer at Jazeera University, and General Secretary of the Somali Ophthalmological Society, presented on “Ocular Trauma & Oculoplastic Emergencies: Early Recognition, Initial Management & Timely Referral.”
The event also welcomed Mariam Mohamed Mahamud, Health and Nutrition Officer at Qatar Charity Somalia, Senior Nutrition Trainer, and Nutrition Educator, who discussed the relationship between nutrition and eye health and highlighted the importance of proper nutrition in maintaining healthy vision.
Research and Public Health Discussions
The event also created a platform for research and public health discussions on the current challenges facing eye health in Somalia.
Dr. Abuukar, through his research presentation, discussed the eye-health situation in Somalia, including challenges affecting eye-care services and the shortage of eye-care specialists across different regions of the country.
Dr. Gacal and Dr. Xalaal discussed eye health from a public health perspective, while Dr. Cumar highlighted the relationship between non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and eye health.
These presentations emphasized the need to strengthen eye-care services, increase the availability of trained eye-care professionals, improve access to services across Somalia, and establish sustainable partnerships to address avoidable vision loss.
Strengthening Partnerships for Sustainable Eye Care
The program concluded its expert discussions with a Panel Discussion titled:
“Building Sustainable Partnerships for Eye Care in Somalia: From Campaigns to Long-Term Impact.”
The panel brought together partners and organizations involved in supporting eye health in Somalia, including Direct Aid, Deniz Feneri, and Aftuder Charity.
The discussion focused on strengthening partnerships, expanding access to quality eye-care services, moving beyond short-term campaigns, and developing sustainable solutions that can create long-term impact for communities across Somalia.
Dr. Sumait Hospital’s Contribution to Eye Health
During the event, Ali Farah, Director General of Dr. Sumait Hospital, delivered an important address on the importance of strengthening eye-care services in Somalia.
He emphasized the need for accessible, quality eye-care services that reach vulnerable communities across all regions of the country. He also highlighted the role of Dr. Sumait Hospital in responding to the eye-health needs of the Somali community through cataract surgeries, eye screenings, community awareness, professional training, and partnerships with different organizations.
In 2026, Dr. Sumait Hospital and its partners supported more than 1,900 eye surgeries, with support from organizations including Direct Aid, Deniz Feneri, and Aftuder Charity, creating opportunities for improved vision and better quality of life for many patients.
As part of the World Sight Day activities, Dr. Sumait Hospital, Direct Aid, and the Ministry of Health also provided eye-care services at Kaxda IDP Camps, where more than 50 free cataract surgeries were performed and 410+ people received eye screenings.
These activities reflect the hospital’s continued commitment to expanding access to eye care and supporting communities in need.
Certificates of Appreciation
The World Sight Day 2026 celebration and Ophthalmology Workshop concluded with the presentation of Certificates of Appreciation to 50 students who participated in the workshop. The certificates recognized their participation, dedication, and commitment to strengthening their knowledge and skills in eye care.
Certificates were also presented to the dedicated instructors and experts who contributed their knowledge and expertise to the workshop and the wider World Sight Day program.
Special appreciation was extended to the Dr. Sumait Hospital Media Team for their commitment to documenting, covering, and supporting the event throughout its activities.
Continuing the Commitment to Eye Health
World Sight Day 2026 provided an important platform for education, professional development, research, awareness, and partnership-building around eye health in Somalia.
Through its continued work with national and international partners, Dr. Sumait Hospital remains committed to strengthening eye-care services, supporting healthcare professionals, increasing community access to vision care, and contributing to efforts to prevent avoidable blindness.
Restoring Sight. Strengthening Eye Care. Creating Lasting Impact.