The International Association of Lions Clubs, District 404A1 Nigeria, has united to improve sight and prevent blindness among residents of Ikorodu, a suburb of Lagos State.
Clubs under the District’s Region 4 and 5 in partnership with Ajayi Medical Centre, Ikorodu, held an eye screening programme on Thursday in commemoration of the World Sight Day.
World Sight Day, observed annually on the second Thursday of October, seeks to raise awareness on the importance of good eye care around the globe.
This year’s theme, ‘Love your eyes’ aims to inform people to put their eye health first for better vision and getting an accessible health care facility.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), at least 2.2 billion people have a vision impairment or blindness globally.
The health agency noted that about one billion cases of vision impairment could have been prevented or are yet to be addressed.
WHO said that without urgent and sustainable efforts, the number of people who are blind could reach 115 million by 2050.
Data from the Ministry of Health showed that the prevalence of blindness in Nigeria was 0.78 per cent, and identified cataracts, glaucoma, refractive errors, harmful traditional eye practices as the leading causes of preventable blindness.
Mrs Tosin Akinwale, President, Ipakodo Lions Club, said good eye health has a ripple effect in improving education, economic and health outcomes.
Akinwale noted that Lions are known globally for their work to improve the lives of the visually impaired and prevent avoidable blindness.
“The World Sight Day presents another opportunity to remind us that we must all give attention to our vision and protect our eyes from blinding eye conditions,” she said.
According to her, the club conducted vision screenings, eyeglass and eye drops donations, eye health education, and restorative surgeries for students and adults.
She noted that some 200 persons benefited from the free eye screening, among which six persons were identified with cataracts, saying that the clubs would fund the cataract surgery.
Also, Mr Ladi Bello, Coordinator, Region 4 Vision Committee, called for more awareness and support to ensure eye care was accessible, inclusive and affordable to all.
Bello said that the Lions Club would continue to play a major role in helping to restore, improve and preserve the vision of millions worldwide. (NAN)