ABBOTTABAD: Abbottabad International Medical Institute (AIMI) recently conducted a general and oral health preventive program at Light House School for Blind Girls.
AIMI, with the collaboration of Abbottonians Medical Association®, took this initiative to address special needs children to fulfil their "General & Oral Health" needs and initiated a preventive program for these populations in Abbottabad.
Dr Noaman Siddiqui, Director of Medical Education Department, AIMI & Secretary-General, Abbottonians Medical Association® (AMA), Prof. Samia Shad, Principal, Abbottabad International Dental College (AIDC) and Dr Qurat-Ul-Ain, Head Community Outreach Services, Department of Community Dentistry, AIDC, organized the program.
Oral Health Education to Blind Girls
This campaign aimed to educate blind and visually impaired girls aged 3-17 years about their general and oral health. Medical and dental examination of the 30 girls in "Light House School for Blind Girls" was performed by medical and dental specialists.
Oral health education was given to all blind students using the "Tell, Feel, Do" technique.
Gypsum made models were used to feel the carious lesions and calculus on tooth surfaces. Tooth brushing techniques and oral hygiene instructions were taught by dentists to each blind girl in school individually.
Each girl's medical and dental record was maintained for further treatment and follow-ups. At the end of the program, goody packs and dental kits were distributed among all students.
Fundraising for Blinds and Vision-Impaired
Through a fundraising campaign organized in Canada by the volunteers of AMA®, over Rs.400000/- were raised, and the amount was equally distributed among three organizations working for the blinds and visually impaired persons, namely The Lighthouse School for Blind Girls, Empower Pakistan and Right to Live Organization, Mansehra.
