Monday Reuben, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The President of the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA), Dr. Chimeziri Anderson, has raised concerns over the growing number of children globally suffering from varying degrees of vision impairment. Dr. Anderson highlighted the startling figure of 450 million children worldwide who require treatment for eye conditions, with an additional 90 million already experiencing significant vision impairment.
Speaking on the critical issue, Dr. Anderson stressed the disparity in access to essential eye care services, which these alarming statistics underscore. He noted that many children, especially in underserved regions, are at risk of preventable or treatable vision problems due to inadequate healthcare resources and awareness.
The NOA president proudly announced the reintroduction of the association's “My Sight, My Right” initiative, a program aimed at addressing the eye care needs of children. The initiative focuses on ensuring that every child has the right to sight, reaffirming the association’s commitment to promoting eye health among young individuals.
“To ensure children’s right to sight, the NOA will be conducting eye health seminars in schools to educate both teachers and students about ocular issues,” Dr. Anderson revealed. He further explained that as part of the initiative, the NOA will establish “Vision Corridors” in select schools across the country. These designated areas will feature visual charts for conducting basic vision assessments, allowing early detection of potential vision problems and timely intervention.
In addition to these efforts, Dr. Anderson announced that the association would offer complimentary vision screenings for children as part of activities to mark World Sight Day. Free eyeglasses will also be distributed to children in need, ensuring that those with vision issues receive proper care and support.
The NOA president also outlined other planned activities, including “Walk for Sight” campaigns, advocacy meetings, and media interactions. These initiatives are designed to raise awareness about the importance of eye care for children and the need for early diagnosis and treatment of vision problems.
Dr. Anderson urged parents to prioritize their children's eye health by ensuring they undergo regular eye examinations at least twice a year. He emphasized the importance of fostering healthy vision habits at an early age, such as maintaining proper hygiene, consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and Omega-3 fatty acids, and limiting digital screen time.
“Encouraging outdoor play and teaching children to maintain a good distance while reading are essential practices for maintaining healthy vision,” Dr. Anderson added. He also cautioned against harmful traditional practices that could worsen eye conditions and stressed the need for parents to seek professional help if their child shows signs of vision impairment.
Dr. Anderson concluded by addressing the stigma often associated with wearing eyeglasses among children, urging parents to instill confidence in their children and prioritize early intervention for any vision issues. "Early intervention is crucial for a child’s overall well-being and development, and parents can play a key role in promoting healthy vision habits that last a lifetime," he stated.
With these initiatives, the NOA aims to reduce the growing burden of vision impairment among children and ensure that more young individuals can enjoy the right to healthy vision and a better quality of life.