Charles Ekanem|10 May 2018
Nigeria Optometrist Association of Optometrist Cross River State Chapter with the support of Cross River State Government will kick start a project aim at providing opportunities and access to proper eye care/treatment for children between the ages of 5-14 years in Cross River State irrespective of gender, family socioeconomic background or location.
In his welcome remarks, the Chapter Chairman of the Association, Dr Onyebuchi Ndukwe noted the theme of the project as "My Sight, My Right" which is a project designed by the Nigerian Optometrist Association in fulfillment of her corporate social responsibility and as part of 50 years anniversary of the association.
"I salute the First Lady of Cross River State, Dr Linda Ayade and indeed the State Government under the leadership of our digital Governor, Professor Ben Ayade for all the laudable projects targeted at lifting the status of women and children in the State. I pledge the willingness of the association to collaborate with the State Eye care programme and its partner agencies to give the best to the children of Cross River State says Dr Ndukwe.
Honorable Commissioner for Health, Dr Inyang Asibong thanked the association for supporting Cross River state school students to regain vision which is one of the major issue engulfing eye care in the State. She supported the project by providing free eye treatment for 100 school children by saying good vision is the right of every child.
Earlier Speaking, Director General of Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Betta Edu said her Agency will take care of 500 children in the rural area through the primary eye care program while she will as a person take care of 50 children as good vision is the right of every child. She noted that so many Children out there whose academic performances are poor is because they are visually impaired as good vision is very necessary for good academic performance and social growth of a child.
Prior to the launch, the Association had a vision screening in a school where they identified some children who had poor vision due to refractive errors that could be corrected. These Children were given 20/20 vision during the launching as they were presented with their respective lenses by the Honorable Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Stella Odey and others who graced the occasion.
Charles Ekanem
Writes from Calabar
