As part of activities marking the 2022 World Sight Day, the Ogun Primary Health Care Development Board (OGPHCDB) in conjunction with the State Committee on Eye Health (OGSCEH) has conducted free eye screening for motorists and drivers in various parks and garages across the State.

Speaking on the theme for the year, ” Love your Eye, Save Lives” in Abeokuta, the State Chairman, Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN), Dr. Oladapo Awodein noted that statistics had shown that 50 percent of road accidents were due to bad sight, hence the target on drivers and motorists.

Dr. Awodein said the screening exercise would avail them the opportunity to know their sight status, assuring that the programmes would be carried out simultaneously in parks and garages.

“Beyond creating awareness on eye health, we are seizing the opportunity of this year’s event to examine the eyes of our drivers and motorists. We are targeting as many as possible for screening, referral and further treatment where needed”, he stated.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Committee, Dr. Oluwatoni Onabolu said the move was to identify the visual perception of drivers and motorists in the State as visual impairment affects their driving abilities and safety of all road users, advised motorists to desist from taking harmful substances that could affect their eyes, and watch out for sudden change in their eye condition.

In her submission, the Chairman, Ophthalmic Nurses of Nigeria, Mrs. Mojisola Bankole highlighted some of the ways to properly care for the eye including periodic eye checks, healthy eating habits and engaging in exercise to avert disease conditions that could impact negatively on the eyes, imploring them to consult qualified eye professionals in hospitals whenever the need arises, and shun the practice of self-medication and patronage of roadside opticians.

On his part, the State Coordinator of Eye Health, OGPHCDB, Mr. Tola Aina, said the Day was set aside by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other international health agencies to create awareness on the causes and prevention of blindness and visual impairments, noting that the present administration would continue to involve relevant stakeholders for the overall wellbeing of the people.

In his remark, the Chairman 2, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, Kuto Park, Chief Lanre Ladipo commended the State government for prioritising the health and safety of motorists and other road users, urging members to take proper care of their eyes.