Prof. John Okeniyi, Chief Medical Director (CMD), Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), has advised Nigerians to go for regular eye checks as part of efforts to prevent blindness.
Okeniyi gave the advice at the 12th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria, Osun State Chapter, at the Mini Auditorium, OAUTHC, Ile-Ife, on Wednesday.
He also charged Nigerians on the need for eye checks once every year and to consult qualified ophthalmologist for treatment when diagnosed with any eye disorder.
Okeniyi reiterated the need for Nigerians to enrol in the National Health Insurance Scheme(NHIS) where 10 per cent would be paid on their health, noting that “a stich in time saves nine”.
Prof. Josephine Ubah, a Consultant Oculoplastic, UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, delivered lecture titled “Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery in Nigeria: Blindness prevention strategies”.
Ubah noted that many Nigerians experiencing disorder in their eye through accidents and trauma, failed to patronise qualified ophthalmologists.
She advised people with eye disorder to go to government hospital where adequate treatment would be given to them by specialists rather than patronising quacks.
The Chairperson, Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria, Osun State Chapter, Prof Bernice Adegbehingbe, while welcoming the guests, emphasised the importance of the conference topic.
Adegbehingbe said the conference topic was chosen to assist people that were involved in accidents and other occupational injury that affect their eye especially those with ocular reconstruction surgeries.
“We have been discussing several topics in our conferences, but this year we treated Oculoplastic so as to help people to improve in their look.
“When anyone has disfiguring condition like facial trauma, swelling faces; it affect their looking, even some children are with swelling faces, so when its earlier presented, the Oculoplastic surgeon would remove it and they will have a better look,” she explained.
The ophthalmologist urged Nigerians to avoid anything that can affect their faces, and if affected should go to ophthalmologist to get adequate treatment. (NAN)
