VISIONARY MILESTONE: ANAMBRA EYE CARE CENTER MARKS 18 MONTHS OF SUCCESS
By Ebele Egoh :
The Anambra State Eye Care Center, a pioneering initiative of the state government in partnership with the Nise community has recorded remarkable success in its 18-month existence.
As the first specialist eye care and referral center in the state, it has provided critical eye care services to over 2,500 patients and performed 30 life-changing surgeries.
According to Dr Ikenna Mbakigwe, Chief Opthamologist, “Our center offers comprehensive eye care services, diagnosing and treating various eye disorders, including allergic eye disorders, dry eye disease, refractive errors, hypertensive and diabetic eye disorders, glaucoma care, cataract eye surgeries, and ocular surface surgeries.
“The center boasts a team of two ophthalmologists, one chief optometrist, optometrist interns, nurses, and support staff. However, despite its achievements, the center faces significant challenges including; lack of solar energy for constant power supply and water supply hinders our operations, he noted.
He emphasised the importance of staff training particularly ophthalmic nurses for quality eye care services
‘ ‘We also require training for our ophthalmologists and optometrists in the latest eye care practices.
The center requires high-tech equipment to provide optimal specialist eye care.
He commended the state government’s initiative to reduce blindness and visual impairment in the state, appealing for support to equip the center with high-tech equipment and training for optimal care.
Dr Mbakigwe pledged the commitment of staff to providing top-notch eye care services, bridging the gap in eye health care in the state.
* Egoh is of the Ministry of Information ,Anambra State *