Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has said his administration is taking eye health care to the grassroots in the state in line with its prioritising of the health sector.
Otti stated this during a symposium to celebrate the 2025 World Sight Day with the theme “Love Your Eyes, Vision for All”, in Umuahia, the state capital.
Represented by the commissioner for Health, Enoch Uche he discouraged all traditional methods of eye care and patronising of quacks for such service.
He appreciated the role played by the State Eye Health Management Bureau and the Ministry of Health in the promotion of eye health.
In a speech, the administrator of the bureau, Betty Emeka-Obasi said the day was meant to emphasis on eye health , adding that the edition was remarkable as it was the 10th.
Emeka-Obasi said the government had taken free eye screening to public schools where teachers were trained on early detection of eye challenges among pupils.
She urged traditional rulers, the clergy and other stakeholders to partner government in sensitising the people on eye health and to embrace “Love Your Eyes” as a mantra.
”We have served 15,110 patients, delivered 11,000 free screenings, and performed 2,000 life-changing surgeries through partnerships with ANPA, the NNPC Foundation,” she added.
In a keynote address, the deputy vice chancellor (Academics), Federal University of Technology, Owerri Emmanuel Esenwah lauded the government’s approach in tackling eye challenges.
He pointed out some strategies to handle eye care, including health promotion, early detection, living healthy life and increase in the number of health workers trained in the country.
The event featured panel of discussants by medical professionals and free eye screening, giving of glasses and counselling to over 400 patients as well as attracted many stakeholders.
