Sahrawi children in Gran Canaria receive free eye check-ups

Minors from the 'Vacaciones en Paz' program participate in an eye prevention campaign to detect visual problems.

Sahrawi children undergoing eye examinations by ophthalmologists in Gran Canaria as part of a humanitarian program.
IA

Sahrawi children undergoing eye examinations by ophthalmologists in Gran Canaria as part of a humanitarian program.

Approximately fifty Sahrawi refugee children, hosted in Gran Canaria through the 'Vacaciones en Paz' program, underwent free eye examinations at Vithas Eurocanarias.

Around 50 children from the Tindouf camps in Algeria participated in a free eye prevention campaign at the Vithas Eurocanarias Ophthalmological Institute in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. This initiative is part of the humanitarian program 'Vacaciones en Paz', which facilitates the temporary hosting of these minors by Spanish families during the summer.
The medical team at the center conducted comprehensive ophthalmological examinations, tailored to each child's age, aiming to assess their visual health and enable early detection of any potential issues. These check-ups are crucial, especially considering many of these minors come from environments with limited access to specialized healthcare.

"Prevention is one of the most effective tools for preserving visual health. Being able to offer these check-ups to minors who typically lack access to specialized ophthalmological care is part of our commitment to health, prevention, and social responsibility."

Humberto Carreras · Care Director of Vithas Eurocanarias Ophthalmological Institute
Continuous exposure to sun, dust, and dry conditions in the Tindouf camps, combined with difficulties accessing specialized ophthalmology, can contribute to visual problems. Therefore, early detection is vital for identifying conditions and preserving the children's eyesight.
The examinations included assessing visual acuity and establishing follow-up recommendations when necessary. The 'Vacaciones en Paz' program is organized by CEAS-Sáhara and other solidarity organizations, with support from the Ministry of Youth of the SADR and the Sahrawi Delegation for Spain.