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United Arab Emirates

Organization: Foresight - A Branch of Tamkeen
Status: Associated Member

Description

Foresight is a U.A.E.-based non-profit organisation and a branch of Tamkeen founded in 2004. We are dedicated to improving the lives of people who are blind and visually impaired and are leading the way to create a Centre of Excellence in the U.A.E. lobbying for better support and raised awareness of the issues faced by people who are blind and visually impaired.

We have a unique opportunity to drive locally based research, which will make an invaluable contribution to international initiatives in finding cures for retinal disease.

Aims

Blindness is currently the highest cause of disability in the U.A.E. Understanding is low and support is limited. With current high levels of hereditary eye disease and rise of illness linked to lifestyle (e.g. diabetic retinopathy), the number of people who are blind or visually impaired is set to increase. We can help.

Foresight’s Primary objective is:

• To encourage and support research into cures for inherited retinal diseases.

• To set up Register for people who are blind or visually impaired in the U.A.E., regardless of cause.

• To promote locally based research initiatives and international collaborative research projects

• To lobby for low vision services and education about sight impairment within U.A.E.

Achievements

Branch of Tamkeen. Tamkeen (the Arabic word for enabling) is a non-profit organisation, initiated by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum for the training of visually impaired citizens of working age.

• Excellent awareness of Foresight in Dubai via high profile media campaigns

• Key signature events – Candlelight ForeSight, Foresight Polo Cup, Madrigals at the Majlis, Safa Park Fun Runs.

• Katy Newitt who has severe sight loss, our founder and inspiration, successfully completed the 2005 London Marathon

• Developing research partnership with Moorfields Eye Hospital, London

• Recognised by the Emirates Medical Association, Retina International, Centre for Arab Genomic Studies and the British Retinitis Pigmentosa Society

• Commencing register in partnership with DOHMs.

Support

Today’s hope, tomorrow’s vision
We need your help to make a difference to finding a cure. Sight loss devastates lives. With your support, Foresight will help to bring light into the lives of people who are blind and visually impaired. Restoring their sight becomes a step nearer.