By Godwin Orits

Concern over rising cases of poor eye-care practices has prompted the organisers of the Eye Health Conference to target traders, barbers, artisans and other non-health professionals with awareness on common eye conditions, proper eye care and the dangers of harmful traditional practices.

Speaking at the maiden edition of the conference, tagged “Bridging the Gap: Reimagining Accessible Eye Care for All,” held last week at the Egor Council Secretariat, Benin City, in collaboration with the Edo State Government and other stakeholders, the Convener, Dr. Mercy Agbede, said the initiative was prompted by the widespread use of harmful traditional remedies for eye-related conditions.
Dr. Agbede, an award-winning optometrist, Lecturer and community health advocate, identified substances such as urine, salt water and breast milk among remedies being used by some members of the public, warning that such practices could cause serious eye damage and preventable blindness.

According to her, the conference was organised to bridge the knowledge gap and educate residents of Edo State on proper eye-care practices, while raising awareness about the dangers of unorthodox remedies that could result in poor vision within a short period.

The Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, represented by the Honorable Commissioner For Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, also added his voice to the theme explaining that good eyesight should be prioritized.
Dr. Agbede added that the conference also provided participants with access to free eye examinations and glasses, as well as subsidised cataract surgery, while eye-care experts took turns educating participants on proper eye-care practices and the prevention of common ocular conditions.

Other Speakers at the event include the Dean, Faculty of Optometry, Prof. Faustina Idu, Head of Department, Ocular Health and Contact Lenses University of Benin, Edo State, Prof. Gladys George, Dr. Precious Uwagboe, Dr. Shuaibu Ayishetu and Dr. Azeta Bright.