Ikorodu residents have joined together with the help of the International Association of Lions Clubs, District 404A1 Nigeria, to fight and fix the high rate of blindness in the area.
World Sight Day was celebrated on Thursday with an eye screening session hosted by clubs in District Regions 4 and 5 in collaboration with Ajayi Medical Centre in Ikorodu.
Every year on the second Thursday of October, people around the world celebrate World Sight Day to bring attention to the need for quality eye care.
The message behind this year’s theme, “Love your eyes,” is to stress the need of prioritising eye health for improved eyesight and easier access to medical treatment.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 2.2 billion people worldwide are blind or have low eyesight.
According to the health organisation, one billion people are living with eyesight impairment that could have been averted or is still untreated.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), unless drastic and long-term action is taken, the number of blind individuals could rise to 115 million by the year 2050.
The Ministry of Health found that cataracts, glaucoma, refractive errors, and dangerous traditional eye practices were the main causes of blindness in Nigeria, with a prevalence rate of 0.78 percent.
Ipakodo Lions Club President Mrs. Tosin Akinwale has stated that better educational, economic, and health outcomes can be attained by focusing on ocular health.
According to Akinwale, the Lions are well-known all across the world for their efforts to aid the visually handicapped and stop preventable 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 group checked people’s eyesight, gave out free glasses and eye drops, taught people about eye health, and even performed corrective procedures.
She said the clubs would pay for the cataract surgery for the six people who were identified as needing it during the free eye test that was provided to around 200 people.
Mr. Ladi Bello, Coordinator of the Region 4 Vision Committee, has also advocated for more public understanding and funding to expand access to quality eye care.
As Bello put it, “the Lions Club will continue to play a key role” in assisting in restoring, improving, and preserving the vision of millions around the world.
