Regular eye checks key to forestalling blindness, say Sanwo-Olu, optometrist

As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to celebrate World Optometry Day, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged Lagosians to ensure they go for regular eye checks to forestall avoidable blindness.

Abolarin gave this charge during the commissioning of the eye clinic at The Polytechnic of Ibadan Health Centre. She said that a lot of people, in spite of the growing awareness of glaucoma, do not have their eyes checked regularly.
 
“Glaucoma is called the silent thief and a lot of people don’t know this because most of the time glaucoma, do not have any symptoms. That is why we are promoting periodic eye checks, be it for adults or children. Sometimes, children perform badly at school, not because they are not brilliant, but because they have poor sight.
 
“As a result, it is critical that people at risk of glaucoma have their eyes examined regularly for early detection and offered treatment to prevent further loss of sight,” she said.
 
The Optometrist expressed optimism that with the eye care facility now available at the clinic, maximum health care is assured for the staff and students of the institution.
 
In his remarks, at the commissioning of the eye clinic, the Chairman, Governing Council of the institution, Prof Kunle Akinyemi, stated that the institution partnered with Eyemasters Group to improve the quality of life of the students and staff through healthy living, urging them to take advantage of the services provided at the eye facility.
 
The rector of the institution, Prof Kazeem Adekunle Adebiyi, who commended the institution’s governing council and the medical experts for providing basic health care and welfare facilities, noted that the eye care facility is a very important addition.