An optometrist and Medical Director of Digital Bridge Eye Clinic, Oshodi, Dr Ezinwanne Osuji, says free eye screening conducted for staff of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos detected cases of uncorrected presbyopia.
The screening and distribution of free glasses took place on Wednesday at the NAN Lagos office as part of the 2026 NAN Media Week medical outreach organised by the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and sponsored by Lions Clubs International, District 404B4.
Presbyopia is the gradual loss of the ability to see objects clearly at close range, caused by the hardening of the eye’s lens. It is a normal part of ageing.
Osuji said the condition had affected some participants’ ability to carry out daily activities, while further tests were recommended for several others.
“We also spoke to them about digital eye strain. In today’s advanced digital world, a lot of people spend more time on their phones, computers and other devices,” he said.
He said free glasses were provided in conjunction with Lions Clubs International, while participants were educated on ways to prevent damage associated with prolonged exposure to digital screens.
Speaking on glaucoma, Osuji said the condition primarily affected the optic nerve and was usually asymptomatic in its early stages.
He urged people aged 40 and above, particularly those with a family history of glaucoma, to undergo comprehensive eye examinations.
According to him, glaucoma could cause gradual loss of peripheral vision and eventually lead to permanent and irreversible blindness, stressing that early detection and treatment were essential to preventing further vision loss.
Mrs Funmilayo Oladeji, Chairperson, Vision Preservation, Lions Clubs International, District 404B4, said the initiative was aimed at promoting healthier workers.
She said healthy workers were more productive, confident and better able to serve their organisations, families and communities.
“Today, Lions are here to say: You matter. Your health matters. Your vision matters. Your ability to work and live well matters,” she said.
Mrs Ifeyinwa Omowole, Head of NAN Lagos Operations, said the eye-screening initiative was important because good vision was essential for effective journalism and staff productivity.
She advocated regular eye screenings, noting that staff members’ eyesight could deteriorate over time, particularly with prolonged exposure to digital screens.
“This initiative is not just laudable; it is a necessity. We could have it four times a year because the impact will be better felt,” she said.
Speaking earlier, Mr Kevin Okunzuwa, Head of Editorial Operations, NAN Lagos, said the initiative would improve staff productivity by increasing awareness about eye health and preventive care.
He said prolonged exposure to digital screens could affect workers’ eyes, stressing the need for regular breaks and proper eye-care practices among journalists and other screen users.
“The exercise has made us more conscious of our eye health and how to prevent problems arising from prolonged screen exposure while working,” he said.
Mr Yusuf Yunus, Chairman, NUJ NAN Lagos Chapel, said the exercise provided journalists with an opportunity to assess their eye health, given their prolonged exposure to digital devices.
He said Lions Clubs International provided the service free of charge, adding that it was the second eye-screening exercise organised by the chapel.
“Journalists are constantly exposed to phones and gadgets, which can affect their eyes. The screening will help them know their status,” he said.
Staff members who spoke during the exercise commended the NUJ and Lions Clubs International for the initiative, describing it as timely given the nature of their work.
Ms Uchechi Afonne said prolonged exposure to screens had caused her frequent headaches around her brow, prompting her to undergo the screening to determine the cause.
She said the initiative was timely because journalists spent long hours working with digital screens and would benefit from regular health checks.
“I want to thank the NUJ chairman and his executives for thinking of this for us because it means they have us in mind. I believe this will go a long way to help us,” she said.
Afonne urged the organisers and management to sustain the initiative through periodic screenings, saying quarterly exercises would help staff maintain good eye health.
Mrs Sandra Umeh also commended the NUJ Lagos Chapel for organising the screening, saying it would help address the impact of prolonged screen exposure on journalists.
She said the nature of journalism required constant use of laptops, phones and other digital devices, putting journalists’ eyes under considerable strain.
“Our work puts us in contact with screens at all times, so our eyes are constantly at risk. This initiative is timely and will enhance our work,” she said.
