By Justina Auta
Dr Sunday Isiyaku, Sightsavers Country Director, has advised Nigerians to go for regular eye check-ups at least every six months for the prevention of visual impairment.
Isiyaku advised on Thursday at a two-day media partners capacity meeting in Keffi, Nassarawa State.
He noted with concern the number of persons suffering from visual impairments in the country, stressing the need for the government and other stakeholders to collate data for accurate cases and medical solutions.
”It is mandatory to screen your eyes every six months to enable early diagnosis of eye problems.
”And with that, they will be able to detect any problem and receive treatment where necessary to prevent it from deteriorating,” he said.
According to him, the organization recently donated new health equipment to Kwara to enhance the capacity and effectiveness of eye care services and help improve early diagnosis of eye issues in local communities.
”In 2020 in Nigeria, there were an estimated 24 million people with vision losses and without concerted efforts, these numbers could increase.
”We are partnering with the Kwara government to bolster eye care services in the region through the provision of state-of-the-art tools that will support medical professionals to provide quality eye care services.
“The equipment includes diagnostic tools, surgical instruments, and specialized technology to help with early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of eye health issues,” he said.
Isiyaku highlighted the importance of good eye health, which he said creates a ripple effect across education, well-being, economics, and health outcomes.
”Sightsavers’ vision is of a world where no one is blind from avoidable causes, and we are committed to supporting individuals with visual impairments to access the support they need,” he said.
Ms. Palma Ileya, a media practitioner with Pilot Newspaper, said the media engagement had provided an avenue for journalists to interact and strategize on advocacy to improve eye health care in the country.
Mr Israel Shosimi, a reporter with Aso Radio and Television, said the engagement had also created awareness amongst journalists to hold policymakers, governments, and other stakeholders accountable for actions that will promote health and wellbeing.
The media engagement draws participants from various media organizations.
