A consultant ophthalmologist at the Federal University Teaching Hospital Lokoja (FTHL), Dr Daniel Oseji, has urged the government and decision-makers to prioritise eye health initiatives to enhance access to quality eye care.

Oseji made the call during an eye-screening exercise for pupils of Saint Mary School Lokoja on Thursday to commemorate the 2024 World Sight Day (WSD), tagged “Love Your Eyes, Kids.”

A Pupil of Saint Mary School Lokoja, undergoing eye screening during the 2024 WSD

The event was organised by the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN) in collaboration with the Department of Ophthalmology, FTHL, Kogi Ministry of Health, as well as Sightsavers.

The ophthalmologist said that World Sight Day is annually marked by eye care workers worldwide to educate people on how to care for their eyes and to also conduct screening for people.

“We sensitise the people, conduct eye screening and also identify those visual impairments and give appropriate referral and treatment where necessary.

“The WSD 2024 is focusing the world’s attention on the importance of eye care for children, especially those in primary school.

“This year’s theme is inspiring children everywhere to love their eyes and prioritise their eye health,” he said

Oseji stressed the need for people to be conscious of the importance of their eyes; to love, care for, and ensure that they protect their eyes.

The ophthalmologist urged parents and teachers to ensure that children do not engage in activities that could endanger their eyes.

“If you also notice that a child prefers watching television very closely at home or always likes to sit at the front in the class, church, or mosque, such a child should be presented at the hospital for screening.

“Parents should always present their children with eye defect symptoms early at the clinic for screening.

“It is expected that every healthy person should check their eyes once a year, but where it is possible, once every six months.

“However, those with eye complaints should see their doctors regularly,” Ogeji said.

Also speaking, Shaibu Abubakar, the Programme Manager for Eye Health, Kogi Ministry of Health, said the programme was organised to create awareness on eye regular screening.

“It is an opportunity to raise awareness about eye health, particularly among children in schools as well as individuals, families, communities, and the general public,” he said.

Abubakar noted that the Kogi Ministry of Health coordinates all the eye care activities within the state to make sure that everyone has access to quality eye care.

“This year, World Sight Day is shining a light on child eye health, emphasising the critical importance of prioritising eye care for young people.

“Today, our target is to attend to as many children that turn up for the eye screening, treat, and make referrals where necessary,” Abubakar said.

Mrs Elizabeth Amupitan, Head Teacher of Saint Mary School, commended the organisers for the screening of their children, describing it as a good gesture.

“It is an amazing gesture, and we are happy for the eye screening exercise. We appeal for more of this gesture towards our children,” Amupitan said.

Also, Margaret Olabrijo, a teacher and one of the beneficiaries, appreciated the organisation for choosing their school for the intervention.

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