Optometrist and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN) says it will provide free eye screening and treatment to at least 5 million Nigerians in this month.
Prof. Ebele Uzodike, the Registrar/CEO of ODORBN, stated this on Thursday in Abuja while briefing newsmen on the activities of the board to commemorate the World Sight Day.
NAN reports that World Sight Day is an international day of awareness held annually on the second Thursday in October to focus attention on the global issue of eye health.
She said that the board had since last week begun free eye care, free diagnosis and free treatment across its medical centers nationwide.
“ The free eye checks and treatments especially in rural areas are part of our commitments in celebrating the day and the screening, diagnosis and treatment are free.
“ Last week, we have begun our nationwide sensitization, eye screening activities and our target is to reach at least 5 million people.
“Let all Nigerians also seize the opportunity of free eye examination taking place in all the optometry clinics in Nigeria in the month of October,” she urged.
Uzodike said that the focus on drivers was channeled towards supporting safety of lives while doing their jobs and ensuring that comprehensive eye-care was accessible to everyone.
“ We started the campaigns at motor parks and we will reach our target via our eye care centers.
“ According to the instructions of the Ministry of Health, we started with drivers because they need to prioritise their eye- care before hitting the road,’’ she said.
Uzodike also said that one of the aims of this year’s campaign was to reach policy makers in the eye care sector and sensitise them on the need to make effective policies regarding eye health.
“ For years, we have targeted rural areas for free eye care and treatments, this time we will also be sensitizing policy makers, because the policies they make and implement reflect on the masses.
“Some people do not know that they have eye problems, but after we examine them and diagnose them, they would be able to make very effective and important policies,’’ she said.
She commended the Federal Government for forming the national eye committees, a gesture being replicated in the states and across primary health care centers…
The registrar, who reiterated the board’s continued commitment to supporting eye associations, also urged Nigerians to practise adequate eye hygiene and seek professionals for proper eye treatments.
According to her, ”so many people do not know the systematic relationship between poor eye care and diseases like diabetics and hypertension.
NAN reports that the theme for this year’s world sight day is “ Love your eyes’’.
It is a day that reminds everyone about the importance of health care, protecting the eyes and keeping them healthy. (NAN)