My Eyes Centre, in partnership with Lions International, Vision Spring, Total Energies, and Donewell Insurance, has sponsored a free eye screening exercise as part of this year’s World Sight Day, which falls on October 12, 2023.
Over 1000 people, including children, had their eyes checked as part of the exercise.
Following a screening, over 500 reading glasses were handed to people in need.
Several more were also referred to the eye clinic for further evaluation.
The theme for the global celebration of the day is ‘Love Your Eyes At Work.’
It aims to have vision screenings around the world, from factory floors and office buildings to staff rooms and studios.
In an interview with journalists, Chief Executive Officer Dr. Chineye Adisa stated that World Sight Day is a global event celebrated around the world to educate and promote awareness about the importance of eye care.
She added that the activity was held to distribute over 500 reading glasses so that people could read effectively, comfortably, and efficiently.
Dr. Adisa also emphasised the importance of authorities making eye care more inexpensive and accessible.
According to her, the most significant aspects of the commemoration are affordability, accessibility, and availability.
The availability of eye care, she said, must be something our leaders must pursue, especially in rural communities.
She said that when one is blind, it is not only a financial burden to the affected person but also to society and the family.
Using glaucoma as an instant, she explained that when it is detected on time and managed properly, the individual will be able to see and avoid permanent blindness.
Self-medication is terrible
She advised against self-medication, stressing that the eye is an important part of the body and connected to the brain.
She underscored the need for the eyes to be properly examined before drugs or medications are handed over to the affected person.
Dr. Adisa stated that the eye is a very vital part of the body, and I would advise against doing a Google search regarding your eye disorders. Rather, go to a clinic and get your eyes tested so that the appropriate prescription can be supplied. Self-medication may be effective for patient A but not for patient B.
On his part, Second Vice President of Lions International, Lion Obeng Dwamena said the exercise is crucial since the eye is an important part of the body.
He said Lions International has done several projects, and this one forms part of them.
He noted that 80 percent of eye problems are preventable, and that is why Lions supported the exercise.
He said the Lions is a global body and has supported activities to raise awareness about diabetes and blindness, among others.
According to him, over the years, the club has supported several initiatives on the environment, health, education, and more concerned about unity.
Lion Obeng Dwamena took the opportunity to dispel rumours that the club is an occult group.
According to him, for the over 11 years that he joined the club, he has never witnessed any occultic practice in the club.
He said what they have done is offer help to people who are in need.
He added that the group is open to all, but you need a member to recommend you.
He stated that they have made a tremendous impact in Ghana by investing in an eye centre at Korle-Bu for over a million dollars and the rehabilitation of the Tema General Hospital at a cost of over $100,000.
He said these initiatives are supported by over 1.4 million members worldwide.
Harry Ahimah, Country Director for Vision Spring, said that they support activities that encourage good vision.
He stated that there is a direct link between good vision and work.
He believes that having strong eyesight is related to wealth generation.
He said it was important to promote affordable eye care, and the NGO supports people who live on less than four dollars a day and cannot afford to buy eyeglasses.
He disclosed that one of the major trends they have observed is presbyopic, with many people needing reading glasses.
He said that over the past five years, they have distributed over 175,000 reading glasses to those who needed them.
He also advised against self-medication and encouraged Ghanaians to always seek the help of professionals for their eye care.
He said the perception of eye care being expensive is a myth.
By: Rashid Obodai Provencal/Rainbowrasioonline.com/Ghana
