Specialist eye hospital joins national scheme

With 20 per cent of population suffering ocular health problems, agreement enables streamlined payment process for members.

Eye care is covered under national insurance after Moorfields Eye Hospital signs deal with Daman.

ABU DHABI // Patients can receive free eye care at a branch of one of the world's most renowned specialist hospitals, after the signing of an agreement with Daman, the national insurance company. Moorfields Eye Hospital, based in Dubai Health Care City, has become a member of Daman as part of the insurer's expanding areas of coverage. It is the first specialist eye care hospital to join Daman's global network, part of an effort to streamline eye care so patients can access treatment sooner and avoid complications associated with eye disease.

Patients who are covered for treatment will not have to pay the cost of the services and wait to be reimbursed by their insurance provider, which can provide peace of mind in the case of more complex and expensive surgeries, said Pat Simons, the chief nurse and operations manager at Moorfields, a branch of the renowned London hospital. "We treat all our patients with the same level of care and professionalism," she said. "By signing this agreement with Daman, we are able to provide patients with the added benefit of an easier settlement process."

Under the Thiqa health insurance programme, Emiratis are also able to access free eye care at the specialty hospital. This includes consultations with ophthalmologists, eye tests and surgery to correct damage to the retinas. "We are delighted to sign this agreement with Daman and look forward to providing care at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai to Daman patients and to UAE nationals," said Chris Canning, chief executive and medical director at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai.

About 20 per cent of the UAE population suffers from eye problems at any given time. Diabetes affects a quarter of the population and can cause diabetic retinopathy, which leads to blindness if left untreated. In addition to this, the nation is genetically predisposed to retina problems. [e-mail]