By Chukwudi Nwauba :
The Anambra State Government through the State Ministry of Health has strengthened partnership with the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN) Anambra Chapter and vowed to end quackery in the profession.
State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike commended the leadership of the association led by Prof. SN Nwosu for their commitment in rendering eye care services to the public.
Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and surgery of disorders and diseases related to the eye and visual system.
He said this during a courtesy visit with the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria in his office at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat Complex, Awka.
Dr. Obidike informed them that the goal of Gov. Charles Soludo administration is such that no one in Anambra should needlessly go blind that’s why he established the first ever state Eye Care Centre, Nise.
“The center is crucial for maintaining good eye health, vision, early detention, prevention and treatment of eye diseases.
“We have taken note of your suggestions on how we are to improve together on eye care service delivery to our people and the issue of quackery you people mentioned is something that we as government is not happy with.
“It may interest you to know that we have closed down a good number of quack operating eye care facilities across the state.’’
The National President of OSN, Prof. SN Nwosu commended the commissioner for his commitment in improving healthcare service delivery to the people.
Prof. Nwosu said that glaucoma is very high in the South East urging the government to take action in order to address the issue.
According to him, public enlightenment is highly needed because there are many self-acclaimed optometrists out there deceiving people and thereby causing more harm than good.
“With the right information, routine eye check one can actually avoid eye related problems and we are committed to partner with you so as to help our people.’’
In attendance during the visit include, Dr. NE Okpala, Dr. Chizoba Uba-Obiano, Dr. Adaora Onyiaorah and Dr. Ifeanyi Obi, Dr. Lilian Igwegbe Head of Optometry Ministry of Health.
*Nwauba is of the State Ministry of Information, Anambra State.*