194 Children in Funchal to Undergo Vision Screening
Madeira GuideThe Madeira Health Service is conducting a vision screening for 194 children in Funchal as part of a new phase of the Children's Visual Health Screening program. This initiative targets children born in 2022, who are not currently receiving eye care at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça.
The Regional Health Service of Madeira (SESARAM) is set to launch a new phase of its Children's Visual Health Screening program in Funchal, focusing on the early detection of amblyopia among young residents. This initiative will commence on April 30, 2026, and will target 194 children residing in the Santo António parish.
The screening is specifically designed for children born in 2022, who will turn four in 2026. These children are not currently receiving treatment at the Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça nor have prescribed eyeglasses. The assessments will be conducted by specialized technicians at the Santo António Health Center.
Amblyopia, commonly known as 'lazy eye,' is a vision development disorder where an eye fails to achieve normal visual acuity. Early detection and treatment are crucial for preventing long-term vision problems. If any risks are identified during the screening, the children will be referred for further specialist consultation through SESARAM.
The coordination and scheduling of the screenings are managed by the Madeira Screening Center's secretariat/call center, primarily contacting parents via telephone. In cases where phone contact is unsuccessful, SMS messages are sent as a secondary measure. Results will be communicated to parents through phone calls, SMS, or email.
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Madeira Guide
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