The President of the Nigeria Optometric Association (NOA), Dr. Chimeziri Andason, has emphasized the importance of parents monitoring their children’s eye health to prevent academic underperformance.
Speaking at a press conference held today, August 1, 2024, at the NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, Dr. Andason noted that many Nigerian children struggle in school due to undiagnosed vision problems.
“Children who can’t see well may struggle to read and write, leading to poor academic performance.
“This is a preventable issue if parents take their children for regular eye check-ups”, Dr. Andason explained.
He attributed the neglect of children’s eye health to stigma surrounding glasses and a lack of awareness about eye care. He encouraged parents to prioritize their children’s eye health and seek professional help if they notice any signs of vision problems.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Ogechi Nwokedi, President of Women Optometrists in Nigeria, emphasized the importance of eye health in preventing avoidable blindness.
This year’s conference, tagged OLUYOLE 2024 is scheduled to hold tomorrow at the Jogor Event Centre, will focus on Primary Health Care and the importance of eye health. The expo aims to raise awareness about the importance of eye care and provide accessible eye health services to Nigerians.
By working together, they hope to reduce the number of cases of avoidable blindness and improve academic performance in Nigerian schools.
