…As Otti sets up free eye checks in parks
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Abia State Government has expressed worry over the high rate of sight challenge among commercial drivers in the state.
This is as the State Government has announced a free eye screening for all residents for one week as part of the activities marking this year’s celebration.
Special Adviser to the Abia State Governor on Health, Dr Betty Emeka-Obasi, who spoke at a press briefing to mark the World Sight Day, regretted that six out of every 10 commercial drivers in the state need visual aid to see clearly.
She, however, regretted that drivers hardly come for eye screening while a random check revealed that the rate of visual challenge among them was very high.
The startling discovery, according to her, was made during a random eye test on the drivers.
The SA who gave the theme of this year’s celebration as: “Loving Your Eyes at Your Place of Work,” advised people to always visit eye clinics for eye screening.
She particularly advised those who who expose their eyes on electronic gadgets like phones and computer sets should try to take off their eyes from them at 20 intervals.
The SA noted with concern, the adverse effects on electronic gadgets on the eyes, and urged users to always go for eye screening.
Meanwhile, the SA announced a free eye screening in all three senatorial zones in the state to mark this year’s World Sight Day, adding that treated glasses will also be given out to people.
The SA commended the Governor Alex Otti for his massive investment in the health sector, saying that the total rehabilitation of the Specialist Hospital Amachara, and retrofitted Diagnostic Centre Umuahia, were confirmation of the Governor’s passion to overhaul the health sector.
She expressed delight that both health institutions now have state-of-the-art facilities, some of which are not found elsewhere in the South-East.
The SA said that under Otti, the health sector in Abia would be given the needed priority.
She said that under the watch of Otti, the health sector in Abia State would never be neglected again as was the case under the previous administration.
