An NGO, Sightsavers International, has provided free eye screening services and donated eyeglasses and medications to 250 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Plateau state.
PWDs and other vulnerable residents across the six Local Government Areas of Plateau South Senatorial District benefited from the two-day gesture.
The Eye Health Programme Officer, Dr Joshua Ibenu, said during the exercise on Saturday in Shendam, that the gesture was part of the organisation’s Comprehensive Eye Care Project in the state.
Ibenu added that the project was being implemented in partnership with Christian Blind Mission (CBM), a leading disability-inclusive development organisation.
”This eye screening is basically targeted at a population, and that’s the PWDs in the southern part of Plateau.
”It is part of our inclusive eye care programme for Plateau. We are doing it in collaboration with CBM.
”Under this arrangement, we are supporting the Plateau Government to establish a comprehensive eye care programme that is available, affordable, and sustainable.
”The programme is designed to ensure all citizens of Plateau have access to quality eye care,” he said.
He further explained that aside from the screening, free refraction, medication and glasses were provided to the beneficiaries.
”For the past two days, we have given special attention to PWDs in particular, but generally vulnerable people, that is, children, women and the elderly are treated free, under this special intervention.
”Statistics have shown that PWDs are among the poorest of the poor, so, we have particular interest in these categories of people,” he said.
He commended the state government for their commitment and support, toward promoting eye health in the state, particularly in rural communities.
Earlier, the Programme Director, of the Health and Development Support Programme, Dr Innocent Emereuwa, an implementing partner of the project, said that the beneficiaries were screened for cataracts, glaucoma and other eye diseases.
NAN
