Every new trend or technology has its pioneers, so do contact lenses in Saudi Arabia.
I'd like to provide a little information about one of the pioneers of contact lenses in Saudi Arabia.

Michel J. Gambino, O.D.

After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Dr. Gambino enrolled in the pre-med program at the University of New Orleans. When he completed his pre-med studies, he was accepted by the University of Alabama in Birmingham School of Optometry. As a freshman he won the Nikon Essay National Scholarship award for an essay he wrote entitled “Optometry and the Underprivileged”. The essay was subsequently published in the Journal of the American Optometric Association. During his four years at UABSO Dr. Gambino was very active in student politics. In his junior year he was elected national president of the American Optometric Student Association. As a senior he was tapped for ODK national honors society. He graduated with honors and received the award for Outstanding Leadership as an optometry student.

After graduation Dr. Gambino entered private optometry practice specializing in contact lenses in New Orleans. Starting from scratch, he built a very successful contact lens practice, which included three offices in Greater New Orleans. As computers became more prevalent, he became concerned about the impact of long hours in front of a visual display terminal on his patients’ vision and overall health. After much research he published a manual entitled. “VDT’s and Productivity – Stop The Automated Office Dollar Drain.” He started a consultation company called Visual Technologies, Inc., which consulted with many Fortune 500 companies.

In the late 1980’s, Dr Gambino was asked by a private Saudi Arabian company to come to Saudi Arabia and help establish an American–style contact lens practice. He and his family spent two years living in Saudi Arabia. He worked throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia establishing a chain of contact lens offices. His stint in Saudi was interrupted by the Gulf War and he and his family never returned.

Eventually, he moved to Dallas where he again began a contact lens practice. As technology advanced, he became a leader in developing alternatives to refractive surgeries such as radial keratotomy, PRK and LASIK. He has lectured extensively and has published articles on the subject. He is now using his 27 years experience as a contact lens practitioner to provide patients with a safe, non-surgical alternative to Lasik eye surgery.

I came across this information when looking up the different LASIK centers in Saudi Arabia, thought it would be helpful to mention something related to LASIK by mentioning this Bio of Dr. Gambino.

Some resources on finding LASIK and other procedures done by very high quality Eye Centers:

Magrabi Hospitals

Jeddah
Khozam Street- Kilo 3 , Makkah Road
hospadmin@magrabi.com.sa
(+9662) 636 5000
(+9662)636 6164

Jeddah
Madina Road ,
madina-road@magrabi.com.sa
(+9662) 665 5200
(+9662) 665 0200

Madinah
Airpoart Road ,
madina-munawara@magrabi.com.sa
(+9664) 842 3252
(+9664) 842 3346

Makkah
Al Aziziah St., in front of the Saudi British bank
makkah@magrabi.com.sa
(+9662) 559 5010
(+9662) 559 3608

Dammam
Dammam Center , Bin khaldoun st., plot 71
dammam@magrabi.com.sa
(+9663) 820 3372

al Hassa
Inside Al Hassa Hospital, Al Hassa, Al Hafoof ,
dammam@magrabi.com.sa
(+9663) 585 8888

Aseer
Abha- Khamis Road ,
(+9667) 235 5555
(+9667) 235 6666

Jizan
Prince Sultan street, beside the Arabic Bank,
khamis-mushayt@magrabi.com.sa
(+9667) 322 5555
(+9667) 322 4444

Riyadh
Ring Road East Exit 14 , Rabwa District
riyadh@magrabi.com.sa
(+9661) 445 5049
(+9661) 445 5021

Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Centers

Riyadh
(+9661) 462-2224
(+9661) 463-3582 Fax

If and when I get more information on LASIK Centers in Saudi Arabia I will add them to this post insha Allah

I've been seing a lot of hype in local advertisements and in the media about LASIK surgery, and I did some research on LASIK in Saudi Arabia and found some interesting info.
I know that back home in America some of the best places to get LASIK procedures done are:

East Coast:

• New York City (Manhattan)
• New Jersey
• Orlando, Miami
• Connecticut
• Boston
• Atlanta
  

Mid-West:

• Kansas City
• Chicago
• Milwaukee
• Indianapolis
  

West of the Mississippi

• San Antonio
• Dallas
• San Fransisco
• Los Angeles
• Washington

Check it out, if you have any questions, as always, send them as a comment. If you're planning to get LASIK Surgery done and you live in the Western Region, I've provided a link below where you can probably find a LASIK Surgeon in Jeddah.

May Allah cure all those who suffer and grant them speedy recoveries... Aameen


What is LASIK ?

LASIK is the safest and accurate method to correct short sight (myopia), Long sight (Hyperopia), Astigmatism (Cylindrical powers) and other Corneal scarring disorders.


How old is this treatment?
LASIK is in existence since 1988, and has already gained wide acceptance world over. More than 5 million people in USA have undergone LASIK.


How is LASIK better than Contact Lenses ?

Contact lenses require special care and careful maintenance. Moreover it is a recurring expenditure. A full 5 years use of contact lenses would cost you almost same as LASIK treatment.


Is LASIK a surgery ?

LASIK is a very simple procedure done with application of just anaesthetic drops. It is just the reshaping of the cornea with the help of a cold laser (Exclimer Laser), with sub micron accuracy.


How is LASIK done ?

A thin corneal flap is lifted with the help of a Hansatome which is integrated with the main machine and laser is applied on the cornea in computer controlled, predetermined manner. This flap is replaced immediately, which adheres within a minute. LASIK is not at all a complicated procedure.


Who can undergo LASIK ?

Any person above the age of 18 years whose power is stable for the last 1 year. There is no upperage limit.


What are the powers it can correct ?

Myopia : minus 1 to minus 20 diopters.
Hyperopia : plus 1 to plus 8 diopters.
Astigmatism : upto 8 diopters.


Advantages of LASIK

• No injection
• No prolonged medication
• No surgery
• Totally an out patient procedure
• Treatment over within 10 minutes
• Normal activities can be resumed the next day
• Permanent, once in life time treatment
• Minimum recurrence of power

What is the latest in LASIK technology ?

The safety and accuracy of the LASIK treatment largely depends on the
machine on which it is performed. Though there are various machines
available for LASIK, Zyoptix -100 integrated with Hansatome is the best
worksation trusted and accepted worldwide.


A note about LASIK:
LASIK is one type of laser eye surgery that is commonly performed for the correction of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Surgeons in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and the greater Jeddah area who perform LASIK may also perform laser eye procedures such as PRK, LASEK and Epi-LASIK. They may also offer non-laser alternatives to LASIK, and may offer variations of LASIK such as monovision LASIK to address presbyopia, or custom LASIK. Please consult with a surgeon to review your options and determine if laser eye surgery or another surgery would be best for you.


About Jeddah LASIK surgeons:
The AllAboutVision.com LASIK Surgeon Directory is a resource for you to learn more about Jeddah, Saudi Arabia LASIK surgeons and to help you select a surgeon if you choose to have LASIK or another laser eye surgery. Please review the profiles of each greater Jeddah LASIK surgeon to learn about his or her philosophy and treatment experience; then schedule a consultation and full evaluation to determine if you are an appropriate candidate for LASIK or another corrective procedure.

Let me know if you need any more information.

This is an Aspestos Report from a few years back...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—January 10, 2003—The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was set to issue a national alert about asbestos in Zonolite insulation, when the White House intervened, according to a recent news story (St. Louis Post–Dispatch, 12/27/2002). Originally slated for last April, the announcement would have been included in a declaration of “public emergency.”

“When the government comes across this kind of information and doesn’t tell people about it, I just think it’s wrong, unconscionable…” former EPA administrator William Ruckelshaus said about the failure to warn homeowners (quoted in the St. Louis Post–Dispatch). “Your first obligation is to tell the people living in these homes of the possible danger.”

The White House Office of Management and Budget was the agency that nixed the emergency declaration. It is headed by John Graham, a man many environmental and health groups consider unfriendly to consumer causes.
top

Millions of U.S. Homes Contain Asbestos–Contaminated Zonolite

Up to 35 million homes in the United States may be insulated with Zonolite. A large portion of the insulation is derived from asbestos–containing vermiculite, a mineral ore resembling mica that was mined in the small town of Libby, Montana. The contaminated vermiculite was shipped throughout the nation.

Although Libby’s asbestos–contaminated vermiculite mine shut down in 1990, its legacy of death and disease remains. Town residents develop asbestos diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma at a rate that is 60 times that of other geographic areas (see Health of Residents Compromised). Libby has been declared a Superfund disaster area, in need of federal aid.

The EPA chose to begin the removal of Zonolite insulation from homes in Libby, Montana, at the same time that it agreed not to issue a nationwide warning about Zonolite dangers . It also pledged to clean up asbestos–containing soil from Libby yards, school grounds and parks.

How Zonolite Asbestos Becomes a Hazard

Asbestos–containing Zonolite becomes a problem if it is disturbed or in poor repair. For example, if you drill in an attic insulated with Zonolite, or if the insulation becomes deteriorated, there is a high risk that asbestos fibers will become airborne. The homeowner may then breath in asbestos dust or fibers.

You cannot determine if your home contains asbestos–contaminated Zonolite by a mere visual inspection. You may take insulation samples yourself and send them to a certified laboratory, although this procedure is not recommended unless you are cautious and use special techniques. The National Institute for Standards and Technology maintains web lists of laboratories certified to do asbestos analysis.

You can hire a professional to take samples of suspect Zonolite insulation, but make sure the person you choose is certified to do this work. He or she should have received proper training, including a federal or state–approved asbestos safety course. Your regional EPA office or local health department will have a list of these asbestos professionals in your area.
top

Other asbestos Products Are Still In Use

Unfortunately, Zonolite is not the only product that still contains asbestos. Asbestos–contaminated vermiculite has been used in soil conditioners, fertilizers, and animal feed. Other products that may include the substance are automobile brake shoes and clutches, building materials, and older small appliances and hair dryers, to name a few. According to the National Cancer Institute, asbestos has been a component in almost 5,000 consumer products, many of which remain in use .

Last year, Senator Patty Murray (D–WA) introduced a bill entitled the “Ban Asbestos in America Act.” It would have prohibited the manufacture, import, or distribution of asbestos products in the United States and increased research grants for finding a treatment for mesothelioma. The legislature failed to pass this bill.

Asbestos will be banned in most European Union countries by 2005. Argentina, Australia, Chile, Croatia, El Salvador, Iceland, Latvia, and Saudi Arabia have also banned asbestos. Clearly, we in the United States have some catching up to do in eliminating this dangerous substance.

Brayton Purcell is concerned about asbestos in products, at job sites, and in the environment. We have over 20 years of experience in asbestos litigation. If you or a family member has been injured by asbestos exposure, please feel free to contact us to learn about your legal options.



Opinion Time: Al-Hamdu lillah Saudi Arabia has banned the use of Asbestos or else, w'd be having all kinds of problems here, especially mesothelioma, which according to my readings, is causing quite a racket in the Legal Scene in America. Huge Lawsuits are being filed du to mesothelioma.

I'll probably be covering that disease in my next post insha Allah.. may Allah ease the pain of those affected in whatever way He sees best. Aameen

The Different Types Of Mesothelioma


Now before I go into this topic I'd like to say, that the hype that I was seeing for this topic seems to be totally justified! This is a SERIOUS problem, Allaahu al-Musta`aan.


A disease that has only started to come to light in recent years, Mesothelioma is a cancer that normally presents itself in malignant form and results in tumours in and around vital organs of the body. The definition of the word Mesothelioma is literally cancer of the mesothelium (-oma being a medical term for cancer). The mesothelium is the sac that lines and protects vital organs such as the heart and the lungs, and this disease causes the cells of the lining to become abnormal and malignant.

The result of asbestos exposure, Mesothelioma comes in three forms: pleural Mesothelioma; peritoneal Mesothelioma; and pericardial Mesothelioma. All three types have a variety of associated symptoms, and there are some symptoms that are common to all three types of the disease. In all cases of the disease, sufferers are unlikely to even realise that there is a problem until many years after they have actually contracted Mesothelioma from regular exposure to asbestos.

The symptoms of all types of Mesothelioma do not generally manifest for several decades after contraction. This can make the disease difficult to diagnose and all too often is too late to save the patient by the time a diagnosis is made.

Pleural Mesothelioma:

The most common form of Mesothelioma is pleural Mesothelioma. This is where the cancer affects the lungs and the protective lining and cavity of the lungs. The symptoms of pleural Mesothelioma result from pleural effusion, which is a build up of fluid between the lung lining and the chest cavity. Sufferers of pleural Mesothelioma may experience some or all of the
following symptoms: difficulty in breathing, difficulty in swallowing, shortness of breath, persistent coughing, weight loss, fever, coughing up of blood, and rasping.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma:

A rarer form of Mesothelioma is peritoneal Mesothelioma. This is where the cancer affects the stomach and abdomen. The cancer can start in the abdominal area and spread to other parts of the body, but the tumours that press against the wall of the abdomen can cause some or all of the following symptoms: abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, breathing problems, chest pain, bowel obstruction, anaemia, fever, and blood clotting abnormalities.

Pericardial Mesothelioma:

The last and the rarest of the Mesothelioma types is pericardial Mesothelioma. This is where the cancer affects the heart and the cavity that surrounds the heart. The tumours affecting pericardial Mesothelioma patients can cause some or all of these symptoms: chest pain, shortness of breath, trouble breathing, persistent coughing, and palpitations.


There are also cases of other asbestos related diseases such as asbestosis and respiratory problems that have stemmed from exposure to this potentially fatal material. Anyone that has worked with asbestos should see their doctor if they have any onset of this type of problem or if they are concerned and have doubts.

As you can see, the symptoms for all three types of Mesothelioma are non-specific, which means that they could be the result of a number of more common diseases that are associated with the same symptoms. Many of the symptoms are the same as those displayed by viral pneumonia patients, and the disease if often mistaken for something else.

If your doctor is unaware that you have been exposed to asbestos, he or she is unlikely to assume that you may have Mesothelioma and will instead test for a number of other more common diseases that are associated with your symptoms. People who have worked with asbestos or who have close contact with someone that works with asbestos should therefore always be vigilant in looking out for any of these symptoms and seeking medical advice if any or all of the symptoms manifest. They should also make their doctor aware that they have worked with asbestos so that no further time is wasted in

testing for other types of disease. Much of the delay in diagnosing Mesothelioma comes from lack of information and awareness on both the part of the doctor and the patient.

However, it is up to the patient, who is aware of the asbestos exposure, to increase the chances of a speedy diagnosis by making the doctor aware of the circumstances and keeping an eye out of any tell tale signs that Mesothelioma may be present.


If you suffer from Mesothelioma or fear that you, or a loved one might be affected and you live in Saudi Arabia, you might want to check out this info I found on doctors that deal with Mesothelioma in Riyadh, the Capitol:

Department of Accident & Emergency Services
Armed Forces Hospital
PO Box 7897 (46)
Riyadh 11159
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Department of Medicine, College of Medicine
King Saud University
PO Box 2925
Riyadh 11461
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

I've made an attempt to contact them, I'll update if I get any replies, insha Allah...
May Allah cure us of all our ailments

I promised to post about what NOT to do when renting a car in Saudi Arabia, but I never got around to it until now, so here goes, Abu Miftah's list of what NOT to do when renting a car:

• Don't give anybody your original Personal Identification papers unless you know thm very well. You don't want the guy to hold them as ransome until you return the car and then you get pulled over at a Check-Point and go to jail. Can somebody spell "Illegal Alien" for me?!
• Don't give more than a 1,000 Riyal deposit if you are only renting the car for a week. Make sure you get a receipt.
• Don't think, "I trust these guys they won't screw up". Document everything and make sure you ask all the right questions like when you must turn the car in (some places are strict right down to the hour and half-hour). Make sure, the time you collected the car is accurately noted, don't forget!
• Don't deal with people you don't have to! If the guy is smoking up a miniature cloud over his head and is yapping away on the company phone and reading the comics, you don't need to have a professional, business or any other relationship with him. Most Rent-a-Car places are located near one another, take a hike down the sidewalk and keep shopping.
• Don't tell the guy you are not gonna leave your city if you possibly might do so. If you even remotely intend to go out of city limits, TELL HIM! So that he can provide the proper paperwork in case of Check-Points, you don't want to be considered a Car Thief. I don't think they've made a "Grand Theft Auto: Saudi Arabia" game yet. Please don't give them any ideas.
• Don't leave without getting a mobile phone number for the dude that processed your Car Rental. Get the number of the land line as well just in-case he turns his cell off. Try making friends with the dude, it might pay off.
• Don't EVER settle for the initial price-per-day or price-per-additional-kilometer. This is not America, there is no fixed prices, consider yourself at the local Hialeah Flea Market (only Miami people would understand that)! Bargain your way down to a suitable price, and never go there without an approximate price-per-day in your mind, ask a friend.
• If you're allergic to cigarette smoke, or if you get migraines like me, don't settle for a car that smells like a cigarette butt. Say no to drugs! Peep another car, or take that hike down the sidewalk again.

That's about it, check back soon i will update this after finals insha Allah.

Renting a car in Saudi Arabia can be a headache, it can also be as easy as can be.

Take the following tips into consideration before doing anything:

• Make sure you have all your identification documents with you
• Make sure you have copies of those papers
• Make sure your sponsor (if you're an expatriate) doesn't have a problem with you renting a car, or leaving the city (if you plan to go out of town)
• Make sure the Car Rental place is trustworthy, check for their license and see how long they have been in business, how many branches do they have in Saudi Arabia, perhaps they are an international Car Rental company
• Make sure the terms that ou sign on are understandable and that you agree, nobody is forcing you to rent a car from these people
• Check how many kilometers (1.6 kilometer per mile) you get free, and how much each extra kilometer costs
• If you plan to go out of town, or think you might just go out of town even though you're not planning to, register with the company that you will be taking the car out of city limits. The reason you should do this is because the Local Police might just give you trouble at a Checkpoint on your way out when you aren't given permission by the owner of the car (Car Rental Company) to take it out of city limits. Plus you might just get some extra kilos if you ask to be able to take the car out of city limits.
• If you are takng others with you make sure they all have valid documents and are legal residents. You don't want the headache of Jawazat (Immigration) give you problems cuz you wanted to help some poor guy (illegal alien) get to his home or city.
• Make sure you have the Car Rental Company's contact information, perhaps you might want to take the phone number of the employee that actually processed you rental just in case something goes wrong.
• There are different fees you can pay to make sure you are not liable if some loser crashes into you (I'll be covering Saudi Driving Tips in future posts Insha Allah)

Well that's about all I can think of for now, I'll probably update the post if there is anything important that I missed. Comments are always welcome, and perhaps the links provided in the sidebar might be of some use so you might wanna check that out. If you want any more information, leave a comment and I'll update insha Allah.

I'll probably put up a post regarding what NOT to do when wanting to rent a car in Saudi Arabia, solook out for that. Enjoy!