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MembershipEl 12 de Octubre se realizó el foro: Una mirada a la salud visual en Colombia, la Universidad del Bosque, la Agencia Internacional para la Prevención de la Ceguera (IAPB) y la revista Cambio, con el apoyo del del Centro de Rehabilitación para Adultos Ciegos (CRAC) y Roche. Un grupo de expertos en el tema presentaron diferentes aspectos de las problemáticas actuales y redactaron un manifiesto de 16 puntos por la salud visual, donde se destacaron: la importancia de sistemas de información con datos actualizados acerca de las patologías visuales en el país, la caracterización de la población con ceguera y discapacidad visual, y el desarrollo de programas de promoción y prevención.
On October 12, a forum was held: A look at visual health in Colombia, the Universidad del Bosque, the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) and Cambio Magazine – with the support of the Rehabilitation Center for Blind Adults (CRAC) and Roche, in which a group of experts on the subject participated and as a conclusion, a 16-point manifesto for visual health was written, highlighting the importance of information systems with updated data about visual and ocular needs in the country, the characterization of the population with blindness and visual disabilities, and the development of promotion and prevention programs.

According to an IQVIA study in 2021, 1,442,089 adults in the country had moderate or severe visual impairment; however, it is necessary to have a national population survey to know the total number of people affected and at risk. On the other hand, the Association of Patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa participated in the event, as well as prominent blind people in sports and higher education. They expressed their feelings, experiences, and recommendations, which highlight the need to humanize health services, sensitizing professionals towards respect and considerate treatment towards the population with visual disabilities.

An awareness workshop was led by CRAC, to sensitize about the needs of blind and low vision patients, and the contributions of the participants were included in the manifesto. On October 31, the document was followed up with a panel of experts where a working group was started to address the needs detected with suggestions for the implementation of solutions led by the different entities involved in the provision of eye care services in Colombia.
Para más detalles, los invitamos a leer los puntos del manifiesto en cambio:
To read the full story and points of the manifesto, please follow the Cambio publication: