Pupils of Model Primary school Jalingo, queue for screening and collection of eyes class.
By DOMINIC AKPENSUEN, Jalingo –
The Nigerian Optometrist Association, (NOA) Taraba State Chapter, has organized schools vision screening to mark World Sight Day 2024, with the the theme: “Love Your Eyes, Vision for Children”.
The event which took place at Model Primary school, Jalingo, the Taraba State’s capital created an opportunity for the pupils to undergo eyes screening and received free eyes glasses.
Speaking with the NOA Chairperson, Taraba State chapter, Dr. Mrs. Grace Ahams Akor, said the day is designed to advocate for people to always check their eyes, as good sight required good health.
She disclosed that an eye injury on a child can cause great damage on the child, which is dangerous to the future of the child.
Grace stressed that the program would extend to other schools across the 16 Local Governments of the state.
She reiterated that children are future leaders, therefore protecting a child from an injury that is capable of destroying the child future should be prevented.
In the same vein, the General Manager, Taraba State Television (TTV) Jalingo, Mr. Jonah Panturo, said the early discovery of eyes challenges lead to early protection.
Mr. Panturo urged the media to provide adequate publicity for eyes protection, care and create awareness programs to sensitized the society on the importance of eyes care.
On his part, the Director, Public Health, Ministry of health, Taraba State, Dr. Abe Agbu applauded the NOA for their efforts in offering free eyes medical services to the pupils, while advising the beneficiaries to take care of their eyes glasses.
Meanwhile, Dr. Onwanu Lorita, who is a member of the Board of Trustees of NOA, and Dr. Mrs. Angela Oleka, the Secretary of NOA Taraba State, maintained that the program is a continue routine and it would extend to other schools.
They appealed to the government and stakeholders to support the program for sustainability.
