Across Abia, too many children are facing preventable vision challenges, most times undiagnosed or untreated, particularly in rural areas.
The wife of the state governor, Mrs. Chidinma Priscilla Otti disclosed this Thursday on the occasion of 2024 World Sight Day, with the theme “Love Your Eyes, Kids”, stating, “Our eyes are a window to the beauty of the world, a gateway to knowledge and opportunity. They connect us to those we love and the dreams we hold dear. Yet, across Abia State, too many of our children are facing preventable vision challenges—often undiagnosed or untreated, particularly in rural areas. This is not the reality they deserve”.
“As a mother deeply committed to the well-being of our children, walking is beneficial for our overall well-being, including the health of our eyes. It improves blood circulation, which helps reduce the risk of eye conditions and keeps our vision sharp. So, while we enjoy the fresh air and movement, we are also investing in a healthier future for our bodies and our sight.
“We have the responsibility not just to treat, but to prevent blindness and vision impairment. Our children deserve to grow, learn, and play with Clear vision, unburdened by the avoidable challenges of poor eye health.
“We must move swiftly and with purpose. By making eye health a priority, we can ensure that every child in Abia State, regardless of where they live, has access to proper care. This starts with regular eve screenings, accessible eye clinics, and programs that exteng to every cornef of our communities”, the Abia first lady said.
She commended the state governor, Alex Otti, for his unwavering commitment to improving eye health in Abia state, adding that in partnership with the Abia State Eye Health Management Bureau, “we are making strides to expand eye care outreach. We are training more healthcare workers, establishing new eye clinics, and working hard to reduce the costs associated with eye treatments. These efforts are all aimed at creating a system where no child is left behind due to vision impairment”.
“The journey towards better eye health begins with education. We are working to empower families, schools, and communities with the knowledge they need to take action. Early detection is key.
“By catching issues early, we can prevent long-term damage, giving our children the opportunity to thrive. I urge you all to make your children’s eye health a top priority. Take them to the clinics for regular eye check-ups, raise awareness in your communities, and advocate for improved eye care services. Investing in the vision of our children is investing in their future, and the future of Abia State”, Mrs. Otti advised.
In her speech, the Administrator, Abia Eye Health Management Bureau, Dr Betty Emeka-Obasi said, “Occasion allows us to reflect on the vital role of vision and the urgent need to address eye health challenges in our communities and underscores the significance of eye care for everyone, with a particular focus on children and young people. Early detection and correction of eye problems are crucial for their development and future. It is also to inspire them to protect their vision and remove the stigma associated with wearing glasses.
“According to UNICEF, children under 18yrs are an estimated 30% of the world population (2.42billion). In Nigeria, they are an estimated 50% of our 200m population. Globally, 450m of them have some form of sight correction that required medical intervention, 90m live with some form of sight loss, while 448 million suffer from refractive errors, a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in children.
“We must endeavour to make child eye health an urgent priority. They represent our future. This was the inspiration behind our celebrations this year where we had special outreaches in 18 public schools, 6 in each senatorial zone. We held free eye assessment examinations for 200 teachers and 3,600 pupils. We will also train in a pilot scheme, 120 teachers selected from both public and private schools to recognize the basic symptoms of eye defects, enabling them to refer children for proper medical attention.
“Our primary objective over the next few years is to ensure that Abians have access to Equitable, Affordable and Standardized quality eye care, focusing on underserved andd vulnerable populations across the state, irrespective of your location. Ultimately, our goal is to reduce avoidable blindness and visual impairment by 70%, ensuring that every resident benefits from optimal eye health.
“Our outreach programs have provided screenings and treatments to select drivers in the state civil service as well as in some of our communities. It is an initiative we are committed to and continue to execute with the support of our partners.
“I advocate for improved eye health services in your communities, promote awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations, especially for children and young people, and support initiatives aimed at enhancing access to eye care. Together, we can ensure that no one is left in darkness due to preventable conditions”.
In their various speeches, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Ifeyinwa Blossom Kalu, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghaukwa, State Coordinator, Dr. Onyedikachi Ogbonna, and Chairman, Umuahia North Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Innocent Nwigwe called for stepdown of eye care to the grassroot level, stating that sight problems are preventable and treatable.
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