NOA sensitises students on eye health

The Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) has said that it will give eye health talks in schools across the country to educate teachers and children on eye problems.

This was announced by NOA president, Dr. Anderson Chimeziri in a statement as the association joined the rest of the world to celebrate World Sight Day.

Chimeziri stated that NOA is proud to emphasize the importance of eye care for children and young people.

He explained that the theme, “Love Your Eyes – Vision for Children,” highlights the critical need to prioritize the vision and health of future generations.

“Earlier this year, we relaunched our “My Sight My Right” initiative, which focuses on addressing the vision needs of children,” he said. “Every child deserves the right to sight, and we are committed to making this a reality.

“To achieve this, we are giving eye health talks in schools to educate teachers and the children on eye problems. We are setting up “Vision Corridors” in schools across the country. A Vision Corridor is a designated area in a school where vision charts are displayed, allowing teachers or children themselves to conduct simple vision tests.

“This innovative approach enables us to identify children with potential vision problems at a young age, ensuring timely intervention and treatment.

“This World Sight Day, we are taking our commitment a step further by offering free vision screenings for children and providing complimentary eyeglasses to those in need. Our “Walk for Sight” rallies, advocacy visits, and media engagements are all geared towards raising awareness about the importance of eye care for children.”

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He listed eight tips for parents and caregivers to promote healthy eye care habits in children, which include ensuring a child gets regular eye exams (at least every 2 years), encouraging good hygiene (washing hands before touching eyes), providing a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids, limiting screen time and encourage outdoor play.

Others are teaching children to hold books and digital devices at arm’s length, avoiding harmful traditional practices like putting breast milk or urine in the eyes of your children, avoiding sharing personal items like towels or makeup, and contacting an eye practitioner if a child brings books too close to the eyes to see or moves so close the board to see in school.

Chimeziri added that by following these simple tips and prioritizing eye care, children can be helped to develop healthy vision habits that will last a lifetime.