Month: August 2023

Strict Recommendations from the Directorate of Administration for Access of People with Disabilities to Clinics and Hospitals

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The Ministry of Health should conduct regular and, in every case where a relevant complaint/report is submitted, on-site inspections,” emphasizes the Commissioner.

In recommendations addressed to the Ministry of Health and the EOPYY (National Organization for Healthcare Provision), the Commissioner for Administration and Human Rights Protection, Maria Stylianou-Lottides, addressed the accessibility of individuals with disabilities to healthcare services and providers offered through the General Health System (GESY).

Specifically, the Ministry is urged, until the preparation of the relevant Regulations, to prepare, in consultation and collaboration with representative organizations of persons with disabilities, a list of criteria/requirements and accessibility specifications that facilities/infrastructures and equipment of private hospitals should meet, no later than the end of September 2023, and to submit it to the EOPYY.

In an announcement from the Commissioner’s Office, the following points are also mentioned:

Corresponding amendments should be directed within the legal framework that governs other healthcare professional facilities or service providers who are contracted and/or will be contracted with EOPYY, so that their fulfillment of accessibility criteria/requirements and specifications becomes mandatory.

In cases where there is no existing legal framework (e.g. diagnostic centers, rehabilitation centers, palliative care health centers, etc.), the training should be promptly promoted based on the timetables set out in the Ministry’s contracts with private entities to whom it has already assigned the preparation of this legal framework. However, any extension beyond the already specified timetables should not be accepted by the Ministry, if deemed abusive.

It is understood that in every case, until the modification or preparation of the relevant legal framework, the facilities and equipment of healthcare professionals or service providers should meet the criteria/requirements and accessibility specifications that will be included in the aforementioned List to be prepared by the Ministry.”

The Ministry of Health must also proceed promptly and within a predetermined timetable to prepare Regulations where they do not exist, concerning the licensing of healthcare service providers, including private medical practices, so that criteria/requirements and accessibility specifications closely related to obtaining an operating license can be established.

Until the preparation of the legal framework governing the licensing of healthcare service providers, including private medical practices, the facilities/infrastructures and their equipment must meet the criteria/requirements and accessibility specifications that will be included in the above-mentioned List prepared by the Ministry.

To the Health Insurance Organization (EOPYY):

After receiving the aforementioned List from the Ministry of Health, EOPYY should inform all contracted healthcare service providers that within a short period, possibly two to three months, a transitional period of up to twelve (maximum) months will begin, during which they must take the necessary and appropriate actions to ensure that their facilities/infrastructures and equipment meet the criteria/requirements and accessibility specifications included in the Ministry’s List, in order for their contracts to be renewed.

It is understood that the aforementioned transitional period can be extended by up to six months when necessary adjustments with the criteria/requirements and accessibility specifications are already underway or planned. Based on the aforementioned information provided to healthcare service providers:

When entering into new contracts with healthcare service providers, as defined in the General Healthcare System Law, as well as with private or public hospitals, EOPYY should require as a prerequisite that their services are provided in fully accessible facilities for persons with disabilities and that they have the necessary equipment to make the provided services accessible, based on the criteria/requirements and specifications to be determined in the above-mentioned List.”

In the event that the relevant healthcare services are not accessible to persons with disabilities and the provider does not take the necessary actions within a specified deadline as indicated by EOPYY to meet the minimum criteria/requirements and accessibility specifications of the List, EOPYY should not proceed with the formation of a contract.

For existing contracts, EOPYY should timely inform, at least three months before the contract’s expiration (depending on the content and terms of the existing contract), the contracted providers that, for the purpose of contract renewal, they must comply with the criteria/requirements and accessibility specifications to be determined in the above-mentioned List, as a condition/precondition for contract renewal and remaining contracted with EOPYY.

In this direction, a term should be included in all contracts between EOPYY and the providers stating that within the specified period, they must meet the criteria/requirements and accessibility specifications that will be determined in the above-mentioned List. In case of non-compliance, the contract will be terminated and not renewed.

To the Ministry of Health & EOPYY:

The Ministry of Health should conduct regular on-site inspections and audits of the facilities/infrastructures of healthcare service providers, whenever a relevant complaint is submitted, to assess whether they are accessible and meet the minimum criteria/requirements and accessibility specifications of the List.

Furthermore, when it is determined that a facility/infrastructure and its existing equipment are not accessible to persons with disabilities, the Ministry should promptly notify EOPYY, which in turn should inform the provider of the discrimination against individuals with disabilities due to inadequate accessibility to its services. The provider should be urged to make the necessary changes/modifications to ensure accessibility of the provided services.

In the event that a specific provider fails to comply within a specified period with the minimum criteria/requirements and accessibility specifications, EOPYY should suspend and/or terminate the contract for healthcare services.

It is understood that for the implementation of the above, there must be full coordination and communication between the Ministry of Health and EOPYY with the representative organizations of persons with disabilities. This includes defining the necessary and appropriate criteria/requirements and accessibility specifications to be determined and included in the List, as well as determining the process for conducting on-site inspections and audits.

Source: Kathimerini

The vision of a boy was restored through gene therapy drops

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Dr. Alfonso Sabater retrieved two photographs of Antonio Vento Carvajal’s eyes. One showed cloudy scars covering both eye bulbs. The other, taken after months of gene therapy administered through eye drops, revealed no scars in either of the two eyes.

Antonio, who was legally blind for a significant part of his 14 years, can see again.

The teenager was born with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, a rare genetic condition that causes blisters all over the body, including the eyes. However, his skin improved when he enrolled in a clinical trial for the world’s first localized gene therapy. This gave Dr. Sabater an idea: What if it could be adapted for Antonio’s eyes?

This realization not only helped Antonio but also opened the door to similar therapies that could potentially treat millions of people with other ocular conditions, including common disorders.

Antonio’s mother, Yuni Carvajal, cried thinking about what Dr. Sabater did for her son.

“He was there for everything,” she said in Spanish to The Associated Press during a visit to the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami Health System. “He’s not just a good doctor but also such a good person, and he gave us hope. He never gave up.”

The family came to the U.S. from Cuba in 2012 on a special visa that allowed Antonio to receive treatment for his condition, which affects around 3,000 people worldwide. He underwent surgeries to remove scar tissue from his eyes, but it kept growing back. Antonio’s vision was constantly deteriorating, and it eventually worsened to the point where he didn’t feel safe walking.

Sabater didn’t have answers and tried to reassure the boy, “I will find a solution. I just need a little time. I’m working on it.”

“Yes, I know you’ll make it,” Sabater recalls Antonio saying. “That gave me the energy to keep going.”

At some point, Carvajal told Sabater about the experimental gene therapy gel for Antonio’s skin condition. She reached out to the pharmaceutical company Krystal Biotech to see if it could be adapted for the boy’s eyes.

Suma Krishnan, co-founder and president of research and development at the Pittsburgh-based company, said the idea made sense and “it doesn’t hurt to try.”

Antonio’s condition is caused by mutations in a gene that contributes to the production of a protein called collagen 7, which anchors both the skin and the cornea. The therapy, called Vyjuvek, uses a disabled herpes simplex virus to deliver functional copies of this gene. The eye drops use the same fluid as the skin version, just without the added gel.

After two years, including trials of the drug in mice, the team received “compassionate use” approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and clearance from the University and Hospital review boards. Last August, Antonio underwent eye surgery on his right eye, after which Sabater started giving him the eye drops.

Krishnan said they were cautious, closely monitoring to ensure safety.

Antonio’s eye recovered from the surgery, the scars did not return, and there was significant improvement each month, according to Sabater. Recently, doctors measured Antonio’s vision in his right eye at nearly perfect 20/25.

Source: Ethnikos Kyrix

Bronze for Pelendritou in the 50m freestyle at the World Championships.

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Carolina Pelendritou secured the third place in the 50m freestyle at the World Para Swimming Championship (in the S11 category) held in Manchester on Monday.

It is her 12th medal and the first bronze she has won in a World Championship, 21 years after her first participation.

Pelendritou, who had the misfortune of hitting the lane divider, finished with a time of 30.28 and came behind China’s Ma Jia (29.74) and Dutch swimmer Bruinsma Liesette (30.07).

For the 36-year-old swimmer, this is her 12th medal in a World Championship since her debut in 2002. It is her first bronze, as she previously secured nine gold and two silver medals in the last ten competitions.

This is her third medal in 2023, as she has already stood atop the podium twice in the IDM Berlin Meeting (50m freestyle, 50m breaststroke).

On Wednesday (August 2nd), Carolina Pelendritou will have the opportunity to compete for another distinction as she participates in the 100m breaststroke in the SB11 category.”

Source: Cyprus Times

Artificial Intelligence and Accessibility: Building an Inclusive World

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Artificial Intelligence and Accessibility: Building an Inclusive World

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has taken significant strides in recent years, with its applications extending across various sectors such as healthcare, economics, and education. One area where artificial intelligence has the potential to have a significant impact is accessibility, particularly for individuals with disabilities. By harnessing artificial intelligence technologies, we can build a world without barriers where everyone has equal access to information, services, and opportunities.

One of the most promising applications of artificial intelligence in accessibility lies in the realm of assistive technologies. These tools, designed to aid individuals with disabilities in performing tasks that might otherwise be difficult or impossible, have been in existence for decades. However, the advent of artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize these tools, making them more effective and efficient than ever before.

For example, speech recognition technology powered by artificial intelligence can be used to develop more accurate and responsive voice-controlled systems, enabling individuals with mobility issues to interact with computers and other devices more easily. Similarly, natural language processing based on artificial intelligence can be employed to create more advanced text-to-speech systems, which can be invaluable for individuals with visual impairments or dyslexia.

Beyond enhancing existing assistive technologies, artificial intelligence can also be harnessed to develop entirely new tools that can contribute to bridging the accessibility gap. One such example is the use of computer vision algorithms to create smart glasses capable of recognizing and describing objects, text, and even the emotions of people for individuals with visual impairments. This technology has the potential to offer a new level of independence and autonomy for those who rely on it.

Artificial intelligence can also be utilized to make the digital world more accessible to individuals with disabilities. For instance, image recognition technology based on AI can be used for automatic image captioning on websites, making them more accessible to individuals relying on screen readers. Similarly, artificial intelligence can be employed to develop more advanced captioning systems for video content, ensuring that individuals with hearing impairments can fully engage with multimedia content.

Another area where artificial intelligence can play a significant role in promoting accessibility is in the design and development of inclusive products and services. By incorporating AI-based accessibility features into the design process, companies can ensure that their products and services are accessible to a broader range of users. For example, artificial intelligence can be used to analyze user data and identify potential accessibility barriers, allowing designers to address these issues proactively.

Furthermore, artificial intelligence can be employed to create more personalized and adaptive user experiences, catering to the unique needs and preferences of individuals with disabilities. For instance, AI-driven algorithms can dynamically adjust the layout, font size, and color contrast of a website based on a user’s specific needs and preferences, ensuring that the content is accessible and easy to navigate for everyone.

While the potential benefits of artificial intelligence in accessibility are immense, it is important to recognize that AI is not a cure-all. There are still many challenges that need to be overcome, such as ensuring that AI-based technologies are developed ethically and responsibly, and that they do not inadvertently perpetuate existing biases and inequalities. Additionally, it is crucial to involve individuals with disabilities in the development and testing of accessibility solutions using AI, as their unique ideas and perspectives can help ensure that these technologies truly meet their needs.

In conclusion, artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize accessibility and create a world without barriers for individuals with disabilities. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, we can develop more effective and efficient supportive technologies, make the digital world more accessible, and promote the design of inclusive products and services. However, it is of utmost importance to approach the development and implementation of AI-based accessibility solutions with responsibility and ethics, and to involve individuals with disabilities in the process. In doing so, we can work towards building a world without exclusions, where everyone has equal access to information, services, and opportunities.

Source: Greek

Visits of the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare to various Foundations in Limassol

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The Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Ms. Marilena Evaggelou, visited the institutions of Agios Stefanos and Theotokos, which serve individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities, as well as the Children’s Shelter in Limassol.

As part of the visits, the Deputy Minister had the opportunity to tour the facilities of the Institutions and the Children’s Shelter, engage in discussions with the beneficiaries and staff, become informed about the implemented programs, and hold discussions with the administrative boards and employees regarding the challenges they face.

“The quality of life, skill development, and integration of Persons with Disabilities constitute the highest goal for the Ministry of Social Welfare. Collaborations with the state contribute to the expansion of provided services, and the Ministry anticipates an even closer collaboration with organizations, institutions, and non-governmental organizations that offer social work. I am particularly pleased with my visit today. I saw the residents happy, learned about their rich activities, and conversed with the staff about everything that can further enhance the services provided.”

“Ms. Evaggelou’s contacts were part of a series of visits she is conducting during this period to various facilities and institutions, aiming to facilitate dialogue and identify specific needs that may exist.”

Source: To thema online

Sun and Vision: A “dangerous” relationship – How to protect your eyes from ultraviolet radiation

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Dr. Anastasios-I. Kanellopoulos, Ophthalmologist, among other things, mentions what you should do to protect your eyes from ultraviolet radiation.

Although most of us know that we should protect our skin from the sun, we forget that protecting our eyes from ultraviolet radiation is equally important, especially during the summer.

“The right sunglasses are essential for both children and adults as they provide significant protection not only for the eyes but also for the area around them.”

There are three types of ultraviolet radiation: UVA, UVB, and UVC.

UVC is absorbed by the ozone layer and does not pose a threat to vision (or the skin).

UVA and UVB have short-term and long-term consequences on the eyes and vision, as stated by Dr. Anastasios-I. Kanellopoulos, MD, Ophthalmologist, founder and scientific director of LaserVision, and Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of New York.

Sunburn of the eyes

“When the eyes are exposed to large amounts of UV radiation for a short period, it can lead to a condition called photokeratitis, which can be described as sunburn of the eyes. It causes redness and a sensation of foreign body or sand grains in the eyes. It also results in heightened sensitivity to light and tearing, often accompanied by intense eye pain.”

Αbsolutely, photokeratitis is the cause of vision loss for those who spend long periods in the snow without wearing sunglasses.

Generally, the longer the exposure of the eyes to solar radiation, the higher the likelihood of developing serious damage both to the superficial tissues of the eye (mainly the cornea and the crystalline lens) and to those located deep within the eyes, such as the choroid.,” emphasizes the professor.

These damages can manifest in the long term as serious conditions, such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and cancer on the eyelids or inside the eye (ocular melanoma).

“However, since we do not know exactly how much exposure to ultraviolet radiation is required to cause damage to the eyes, it is recommended that both children and adults never go out in the sun without high-quality sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat,” emphasizes Dr. Kanellopoulos.

Adequate protection of the eyes from UVA and UVB radiation.

Sunglasses for adequate protection should block 99-100% of UVA and UVB radiation, repel 75-90% of visible light, have lenses with consistent color without imperfections, and preferably have gray-tinted lenses to allow good color recognition of the surroundings.

“It is important for the sunglasses to cover the eyes from the sides as well since solar radiation can be reflected from smooth surfaces, thus reaching the eyes at an angle.”

Research has shown that water reflects up to 100% of UV rays, while dry sand and concrete reflect up to 25%, and even grass reflects a small percentage. Those who participate in activities or sports that may lead to eye injuries should use glasses with polycarbonate or trivex lenses, two synthetic materials that offer high resistance in case of impact.

individuals belonging to high-risk groups for UV radiation damage include

While solar radiation can indeed cause problems for everyone’s eyes, there are certain population groups that belong to high-risk categories,” emphasizes Dr. Kanellopoulos, who refers to the issues and risks that individuals in these groups face, such as:

  • “Young children are at a higher risk as they are frequently exposed to the sun more than adults while playing outdoors. The annual sun exposure for children is three times higher than that of adults. However, only 5% of adults report that their children always wear sunglasses, and 15% admit that they don’t even wear hats. Children are at significant risk of eye disorders due to sun exposure because their eye lenses are immature and do not effectively filter UV rays, leading to high levels of UV reaching deep into their eyes.
  • Additionally, individuals with blue or light green eyes who go out in the sun without sunglasses and a hat are at an increased risk of developing rare forms of eye cancer, such as iris or choroid melanoma.
  • People who have undergone cataract surgery, as the cloudy natural lens of the eye is removed and replaced with an artificial lens, are more exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, especially if the artificial lens implanted is of an older type (newer lenses are more absorbent). Therefore, those who have had cataract surgery should not go out in the sun without sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Patients taking medications that increase photosensitivity may also make their eyes sensitive to the sun. Some drugs in this category include certain antibiotics (fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines), oral contraceptives and estrogen-containing medications, psoralens (used for skin conditions like psoriasis), certain diuretics, and tranquilizers.

Αν παίρνετε συστηματικά φάρμακα για οποιονδήποτε λόγο, συζητήστε με τον οφθαλμίατρό σας το ενδεχόμενο να προκαλούν φωτοευαισθησία», καταλήγει ο δρ Κανελλόπουλος.

Source: News4health