Hereditary and congenital disorders account for an estimated 40 to 60 per cent of childhood blindness cases in Pakistan, according to new findings from Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital.

Experts warn that the widespread lack of early genetic diagnosis leaves many children permanently blind, imposing a long-term health and economic burden on families and the national healthcare system.

The data originates from Pakistan’s first Department of Ophthalmic Genetics, where molecular geneticist Dr Rutaba and a dedicated bioinformatician are decoding complex DNA mutations linked to severe paediatric eye diseases.

Their work has uncovered previously undocumented gene mutations associated with retinal degeneration, childhood cataracts and optic nerve abnormalities.

“Our goal is to identify the genetic

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