Routine blood pressure and fasting blood sugar checks, according to Dr. Chimeziri Anderson, President of the Nigeria Optometric Association (NOA), are essential for ensuring comprehensive eye health care.
In an address given at a rally over the weekend as part of a weeklong celebration of World Sight Day in Abuja, Anderson expressed the viewpoint.
It is crucial to make sure that those tests are incorporated into Primary Care Services that are covered by Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs), according to the Community Eye Health Epidemiologist.
This would make them available and affordable, he claimed.
He also urged cooperation with other key parties and stated that as an association, NOA aspires to promote holistic health and early detection of underlying problems that can damage eyesight.
In order to successfully advance this project, he added, “We believe that collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, Primary Health Care Development Agency, HMOs, and the Nigerian Health Insurance Authority is essential.”
Love Your Eyes At Work, this year’s World Sight Day theme, encapsulates the essence of fostering a culture of love and care for our eyes, according to Anderson.
Therefore, he gave Nigerians the following advice: have routine eye exams, practise eye safety, lead healthy lifestyles, and raise awareness of the value of eye health.
READ ALSO: Blood bank and university are attacked as Russia and Ukraine step up their attacks
Additionally, he urged NOA members to take advantage of the commemoration to raise the issue of eye health with decision-makers and local authorities.
“Let’s visit decision-makers and local leaders to advocate for increased funding for eye care.
The need for sending eye care specialists to underserved groups and areas should also be acknowledged, he added.
Every year on October 12, there is a celebration known as World Sight Day to bring awareness to the value of proper eye care.
Collaboration between NOA and other stakeholders, according to NOA, would not only improve eye health but also contribute to overall wellbeing, aligning with their shared objective of providing all Nigerians with complete healthcare.
The group also urges the assurance of high standards in optical lenses, tools, and equipment imported into the nation on this particular occasion.
“We are dedicated to protecting the visual health of our residents, and the only way to do this is by strictly upholding internationally acknowledged standards.
In order to guarantee that all optical products entering the Nigerian market satisfy the necessary quality and safety norms, we recognise the value of a tight relationship with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, Anderson added. (NAN)
