By Donald Ojebo
As part of efforts to make the roads safer for road users, over 150 drivers had their eyes screened and a total of 108 reader glasses and drugs were dispensed to selected commercial vehicle drivers in selected motor parks across the three senatorial Districts of the State with a view to improving their visions for safer driving experience.
The Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mordi Ononye made the disclosure today at the Summit Motor Park in Asaba during the free eye screening exercise for drivers organized by the State Eye Health Committee in collaboration with the State Ministry of Transport as part of activities to mark the 2022 World Sight Day.
The Commissioner who was represented by Dr. (Mrs.) Gloria Mok, Secretary, Delta State Eye Health Committee said the World Sight Day is a reminder to all to love their eyes and protect them from injuries just like the theme for the celebration said Love your eyes, safer roads.
According to the Commissioner, βthis exercise is going on simultaneously across the three senatorial districts of the state. The three screening points include where we are now which is Summit Motor Park, Asaba, for Delta North; Sir Walk Transport and Delta Line Transport, Ughelli for Delta Central and Agbor Park, by PTI junction, Effurun Warri for Delta Southβ.
He used the medium to counsel the drivers and all present to seek medical help on time when they have eye complaint in order to get tested early, get diagnosed early and finally get treatment early.
Dr. Ononye explained that eight out of ten causes of blindness are avoidable hence the need for persons to take personal responsibility for the care of their eyes and adopt a healthy life style.
Earlier, the Chairman, Delta State Eye Health Committee, Dr. (Mrs.) Philomena Okeowo in a health talk counseled the participants not to drive without checking their eyes and make conscious efforts to take good care of their eyes.
She said people should check their eyes at designated eye centers to prevent blindness and get their glasses from authorized eye care providers.
At the screening point; Agbor Park, by PTI junction Effurun, the Lions Club International (District404A-1Nigeria), Regions 11 and 12 was on ground as they partnered with the State Eye Health Care Committee to bring free eye care services to drivers.
Highlight of the exercise was the presentation of reading glasses and eye drugs to beneficiaries who were screened while others screened patients were referred to government comprehensive eye care centers and other government facilities where they could get more medical help.
