The Lagos State Government has said there is a need to make a concerted effort to ensure that awareness about eye health is created to prevent blindness and avoid other eye-related diseases.
The Medical Director/Chief Executive Officer of the General Hospital Somolu, Dr. Mustapha Adebola Quadri gave the advice recently at the celebration of Y2024 World Sight Day held within the hospital’s facility.
According to Dr. Quadri, proper care of the eye ensures a lifetime of vibrant vision, but its neglect can lead to irreversible damage.
While applauding the Lagos State Government for taking giant strides in eye care awareness creation, Quadri noted that World Sight Day
has several implications for human existence.
He said that some of the negative impacts of improper care of the eye include visual impairment, which has physical, emotional, social and economic intonation as they play an essential role in determining one’s quality of life.
While advising people to always go for constant eye checks, he vowed to do everything possible within his capacity to see that the hospital works in line with The World Health Organisation’s advocacy for the Four Ps of lifelong eye health, namely: Prevent, Protect, Preserve and Prioritise.
Similarly, the Ophthalmic Nurse in attendance, Mrs. Grace Alabi revealed that the importance of eye care cannot be emphasised enough as it reminds us that our eyes are windows through which we see the beautiful world around us.
As part of the celebration, the hospital also organised an awareness campaign that traversed some key streets in Somolu including Akeju, Rufai, Awofeso, Shipeolu, Oguntolu, Agunbiade, Sodeke, Durosinmi, Martin Close and Olaleye Ultra Modern Shopping Centre among others; to educate residents on the importance of eye care to the body.
Recall that World Sight Day is always celebrated on the second Thursday of October every year and the theme for this year’s celebration is: ‘Children, Love Your Eyes’.
