State-run eyewear workshop opens at Souq Al-Shuyoukh Hospital in Dhi Qar

DHI QAR — A new government-run eyewear workshop has opened at Souq Al-Shuyoukh Hospital in southern Dhi Qar, providing affordable glasses to residents who previously had to travel to Nasiriyah for eye exams and prescription lenses.

The workshop offers modern medical lenses and frames from reputable manufacturers, with designs available for both men and women. Patients pay 15,000 IQD ($10) for a complete package that includes an eye exam, lenses, and frames—nearly half the price of similar services at private clinics, where an eye exam alone costs 5,000 IQD ($3.33) and the cheapest lenses and frames start at 25,000 IQD ($16.67).

“With God’s blessing, the ophthalmology workshop opened last week, providing services for all age groups, from children to the elderly,” said Ahmed Abdul Redha, the technical deputy at Souq Al-Shuyoukh Hospital, speaking to 964media. “The frames and lenses come from international sources, and the prices are symbolic compared to private workshops.”

Abdul Redha noted that this workshop is one of the few of its kind in Iraq. “The staff is trained, all of them are certified optometrists with experience in eyewear manufacturing,” he said.

The workshop operates under the hospital’s ophthalmology department. “A doctor examines the patient’s vision, determines the lens type and strength, and then the workshop prepares the required glasses,” Abdul Redha explained.

The initiative aims to enhance healthcare access in the district, said optometry technician Abu Dhar Mohammed. “The goal is to support the people of Souq Al-Shuyoukh and improve healthcare in the city. Private centers charge higher fees, but here, the prices are affordable for everyone,” he said.

Residents have welcomed the new service. “I came here after hearing about the eyewear workshop at Souq Al-Shuyoukh Hospital. The doctor examined my vision, and the workshop staff took care of the rest,” said Mohammed Lafta, a local resident. “My daughter has mild nearsightedness, and she chose a frame she liked. In half an hour, we will receive the glasses,” he added.