Ikeja Unique Lion’s Club organises free eye screening for students

THIRTY students from Agidimgbi Senior Grammar School, Ikeja, benefitted from the community service project of the Ikeja Unique Lions’s Club District 404B as they went through eye screening tests, while corrective glasses and medication were given to those who needed them.

The eye screening session, which held recently at the school premises, also witnessed healthy tips sessions by an optometrist, who taught the students how to take care of their eyes as part of the club’s contribution to ensuring a healthy society.

The Vice President of the club, Mr. Emmanuel Oriazuwa said: “this activity today is in line with the Lions International club mission to provide health services to the community. We are currently providing eye screening services to students in public schools and so, we decided to focus on Agidimgbi Senior Grammar School and provide glasses for those with vision impairment.”

He also noted that the reason for choosing the public school was to help students whose parents may not be able to afford to take them to eye clinics, adding that: “We believe it is better to get to these young people at this age and prevent further spread of eye problems, because once it is detected early, it can be corrected to prevent future impairment. We also cannot do it all and so, we are urging other well meaning organizations and bodies to join hands and make the society a healthier place for young people.”

An optometrist, Dr. Tejiri Emede, who attended to the students said that most of the children had complaints of discharge and itching, while some had refractive errors for they have been given prescription glasses; and those with infections or allergies have been given eye drops.”

She noted that the allergies could be caused by whatever they are sensitive to, which may be body soap, or edibles. For the discharge, he said it could be as a result of handling things that have been infected and then bringing the finger close to the eyes.
“They should care for their eyes by paying particular attention to it because they are studying and so, they need their eyes; their performance can be hindered due to poor vision.”

The Vice Principal (Administration) of the School, Mrs. Nsaka Gladys Umebei, while appreciating the club for their kind gesture towards the students, noted that many of their students suffer eyesight deficiency due to the frequent use of electronic devices.

“The club demanded 30 students from us and we had over 200 students that were interested in conducting the eye test and we pray that God will reward them for their effort, as we have never had such in this school before.”

One of the students who benefited from screening, Miss Chidera Njoku said she would ever be grateful to the club for extending their hand of love to them, as she has never visited an eye clinic before.