Updated 23 March 2009

The World Federation has created, operated and sponsored the Aeinullah Eye Clinic in Mianwali.  This part of Pakistan lacks any type of healthcare services and was in dire need of at least basic medical support, including eye care.
The Al-Mahdi Hospital was, Alhamduillah, established on 11 June, 1997 and the Aeinullah Eye Clinic was created within the hospital to serve the patients.  Due to the climate and poverty in Mianwali, cases of cataracts are extremely high. 

Cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lense – the part of the eye responsible for focusing light and producing clear, sharp images.  The lens is made up mainly of water and protein.  Over time, protein can build up, clouding the light passing through the eye and making sight blurred or fuzzy.  The very worst cataract can cause a total loss of vision. 

Hospital
In 2008 alone, over 28,555 patients have benefited from the care provided at the hospital. This emphasizes how imperative proper health care is in the area. 

The hospital provides various health services such as general OPD (out patient department), surgery, maternity, a dental unit, paediatric clinic and ambulance services.  The hospital aims to provide medical  care and services for women, children, the elderly, widows, and the disabled.  The hospital is open 24 hours a day, and a qualified doctor on site at all times.  Emergency medical care is provided around the clock. 

Eye Clinic
Today nearly 50 million people are blind and another 150 million are victims of severe visual disability.  Unless global efforts are significantly intensified, this number is projected to double by the year 2020. About 90% of the world’s blind live in developing countries like India. However if significant efforts are made in this direction then about 70% of the blind people will regain their eyesight. About 60% of all blindness worldwide is caused by Cataract, Childhood Eye disease, Trachoma and Onchocerciasis.  The Aeinullah Eye Clinics have been launched with the objective to help with treatment of these eye diseases and also provide regular screenings to help prevent these diseases or even blindness. 

To address this need, the Aeinullah Eye Clinic was inaugurated in Mianwali on 13 January 2006 with a fully equipped OPD and operation theatre.  To date, a grand total of over 5,000 patients have been treated at the eye clinic.  These patients come in need of eye exams, treatment of eye diseases and eye surgery.  In 2008, 140 cataract surgeries were completed for both Sadat and non-Sadat patients. 

Medical Camps
In addition, 30 medical camps have been arranged by Al-Mahdi hospital since 2002.  Of those, 4 have been eye camps, and as a result, 30 eye operations were completed at the camps. 

Collecting Funds for Cataract Surgery Equipment
Both Health care and eye treatment are especially needed in all developing countries.  Due to the lack of basic health care education and awareness, thousands of people are affected by illnesses and diseases that can easily be avoided by preventative measures, such as vaccinations and sanitation. 

One of The World Federation’s goals is to alleviate the sufferings of those who live in poverty and destitution by providing them with primary health care and medical treatment for eye disease.  The Aeinullah Eye Clinics are already making a huge impact on the lives and health of scores of people in India and Pakistan.  But this is just the tip of the iceberg.  There is still so much that needs to be done.  

The success and overwhelming response to these clinics is just further evidence of the grave situation of so many of our Shia Muslims all over the world. 

The World Federation is asking for donors to help support programs such as this, which offer health care and eye remedies to so many people who otherwise could not afford to seek such treatment.  Your donations will assist in the continuation of the running of these centres as well as providing other countries similar services. 

The Aeinullah Eye Clinic in Mianwali will soon be installing a Phaco (Phacoemulsifer) machine which is used in cataract surgery.  Cataract surgery has evolved from a complex procedure involving a long recovery time to a very safe, effective procedure.  Modern cataract surgery is made possible by the use of a Phaco machine, which breaks the cataract into tiny pieces and then suctions those pieces from the eye through a small incision.  Prior to the use of a Phaco machine, cataracts were removed in one piece, which needed a larger incision and sutures, causing more traumas to the eye.  But with the use of a Phaco machine the procedure is safer and faster, allowing the patient to resume normal activities within a span of a few days. 

The cost of the machine is approximately £14,500, a small price for the gift of sight.  The World Federation is indeed very grateful to the two donors who have fully met the cost of the Phaco machine. 

In its effort to help more people, The World Federation, in partnership with its Regional Federations is looking into opening an Aeinullah Eye Clinic in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. 

For further information, or to donate, please email health@world-federation.org