Treating eyes problem with urine, patronizing quacks can cause blindness ―NOA

THE Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) has warned Nigerians against patronizing quacks if they discover little problems with their eyes, even as it advised them to stop treating eyes infections or problems with urine.

Addressing a press conference on the 50th Anniversary celebration of NOA in Abuja at the weekend, National President, of the association, Dr. Damian Echendu, warned that treating eyes problem with urine and patronizing quacks for such medical service, will lead to total blindness.

He said: “It is a very wrong practice. There is a lot of things going on, not just getting eyes drop from quacks. You see many people when they have eyes problem, some put urine into their eyes, some put kerosene, they put all sorts of things. Those are wrong practices that could actually lead to blindness. We discourage it; and with respect to those who also give such or mere eyes drops, we call them quacks, we are doing a lot with collaboration with the board that regulates our profession in Nigeria in order to address the issue of quackery.

He pointed out that together with the board, they cooperate with security agents and now go from state to state to arrest those who engage in quackery and prosecute them.

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He appealed to Nigerians to patronize professional optometrists, as eyes problems are now increasing daily due to high radiation sophisticated equipment now used by people across the country.

He, however, regretted that 80 per cent of their members, trained and certified have gone abroad because of the situation in the country, adding that 80 per cent of those in the country are also in private practice.

He pointed out that at least, one optometric is required per local government across the country.

Dr. Echendu, therefore, called on the Federal Government to ensure that 774 optometrists, one per local government, are employed by the government to enable Nigerians with eyes related cases access good and professional services.