Stakeholders advocate for eyes care centers at ward levels across Taraba
Jethro Yerga, Jalingo
Stakeholders in Taraba State have advocated for the esterblishment of eye care centers at the ward levels of Taraba State to reduce financial barriers and increase access to vision care for vulnerable population
At a workshop organized by Nigerian Optometrists Association NOA, Taraba State chapter, as part of activities aimed at commemorating 2025 World Optometry week, stakeholders took turns to appeal to the government and other related authorities to prioritize eye health and argued that vision was one of the humanity’s most treasured senses
In an opening speech at the workshop, Dr Grace Alheomon Ahams- Akor, chair person, Nigeria Optometrists Association (NOA), Taraba State Chapter, stressed that vision health which ought to be prioritized was ironically, taken for granted by many Nigerians until it was compromised
She recommended esterblishment of eye care units at the ward levels, employment of more Optometrists to man the centers, and promotion of awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations among people at the grassroots
The NOA chairperson, further stressed the need for contiuos professional development and specialty training to empower optometrists to navigate the challenges of modern practice while maintaining the highest standard of patient care in those units
In his speech, Hon Sunday Yusuf Tonga, Special Adviser to Governor Kefas of Taraba State on Communicable Diseases, reiterated the need to engage students in the various Schools across the state to get them sensitized on the dynamics of career choice
He added that global world Health was moving from treatment to Prevention and so there was every need to draw eye care facilities closer to the people in order to keep them abreast of the imperatives of vision health
Also speaking, Dr Aisha Shehu Adamu, Chief Medical Director, FMC Jalingo, commended NOA for doing so much on vision health in the state
The Medical Director who was represented by Dr Elachi Graham, Deputy Head of Clinical Services, FMC Jalingo, noted that as good partners, FMC Jalingo would continue to explore ways towards working collaboratively with all partners to improve health services across the state
In their separate goodwill messages, representatives of security heads in the state and the representatives of Commissioner for Education and the chairman, Jalingo Local Government Area, Dr Jauro Hassan, all commended members of NOA in the state for their selfless and relentless services, pledging their unalloyed support to enable them improve the vision health services in the state, especially at the grassroots
