Edo State Government has been commended for promoting the interest of the poor by working with health and eye care practitioners to carry out eye screening in the State irrespective of tribe, race, ethnic group or religion.
Dr. Omoye Amusa, Consultant Optometrist, Edo State Hospitals Management Board, Stella Obasanjo Hospital, Benin City who made the commendation recently said the Government has also placed state of the art equipment for quick and easy diagnosis to redress ocular mortality and ocular morbidity which has reduced financial burden and increased access to ocular aid to perform normal visual task for all and sundry at their door step, thereby bringing eye healthcare as close as possible to where people live and work.
According to her, “The Edo state Government led by Mr. Godwin Obaseki has continued to provide an enabling environment for the engagement/training of intern optometrists yearly in the Edo State Government Hospitals Management Board.
“These acts enhance productivity, encourage academic breakthrough, improved modern revolving optometric medical practice and increase advocacy system for eye care givers (Optometrists) in the state.
She disclosed that Edo state Government, is among organisations that pursue activities to relieve sufferers/visual disability persons, promote the interest of the poor, protect environment, provide basic social services and undertake community development.
In her words, “Governor Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki -led administration is remodelling the health Care delivery in the state, inclusive of primary health care and primary eye care. Eye Clinics/Departments in the Government Hospitals have been given adequate attention.
“It is, therefore important that people living in Edo state, especially those above 35 years of age and those with family history of eye problem should visit these hospitals regularly for check-up, or any accredited eye centre close to where they live. This will ensure that they maintain good vision at all times which is essential for our daily living.”
On the Sustainable Development Goals, she said, “apart from the postgraduate medical training, post graduate Optometry Training, in 2018, the Edo State Government Eye Centre has become a centre permitting Professors continuously for sabbaticals in the eye world, a very big plus to the Edo State Government, which deserves a pat on the back.
“This same Government created an enabling environment which witnessed the emergence of six optometric fellows located across the three senatorial zones and that professionally has enhanced Eye Care delivery services in the state.”
Dr Amusa further disclosed that history was recorded for this great son of Edo soil, Governor Godwin Obaseki that during his leadership as governor of Edo state, the landscape of Optometry services has changed for the best.
“Edo people have never had it so good. Right from the era of the colonial masters, mid-western, Bendel and Edo state, it has never been this good.
“On the 31st of September 2019, working with effective administrators/Medical Consultants, former Chief Consultant and Board member, Dr. Uwadia now retired, former Medical Director, Stella Obasanjo Hospital, Dr Okundia, now Hon. Commissioner for Health Edo State, among others, witnessed a proper documentary of normal rotational unit headship in Optometry Department of the hospital which recognises excellence devoid of sentiments. This is a very mighty step in advancing the Optometry effectiveness in the state.
“The new unit boss in Stella Obasanjo Hospital, Dr (Mrs) AigbovoIlaide, a fellow of the Nigerian post Graduate College of Optometry, specialist in low vision and rehabilitation is from Edo South Senatorial zone. A hard-working woman of immeasurable comparison, she has shown effective leadership in repositioning optometry services in the state.
“Secondly, in 2020, the enumeration for intern Optometrist became effective more than ever. This is on-going and it is widely believed that this will reduce the financial load on the overburdened parents/guardians of those concerned. Undoubtedly, this has increased efficiency with alertness for the optometry interns.
“With this development, it is hopeful that Optometrists will be engaged at the eighteen local government headquarters of the state. Interestingly, this drive is already endorsed by the local government chairman/P.H.C. co-ordinator. In order to take health care to where the people live and work there by ensuring the Bamako initiative is adhered to in the primary health care system in Edo state, no effort is being spared to ensure that citizens of Edo State, irrespective of where they live get the right optometry services.
“More importantly, the target is to live no one behind in meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals for which Nigeria and by extension, Edo State is signatory.
“My good people of Edo State, health is wealth. The Holy Bible states that, ‘my people perish because of lack of (vision) knowledge,’ this has the same interpretation in ‘The Holy Koran’ and in our ‘African Traditional Religion’. The physical manifestation of this vision is our ability to see with our eyes. Protect your eyes by going for regular check-up at least once a year,” she added.
