By MaryAnn Chukwuma
Anambra State’s free cataract surgery intervention has earned commendation from an eye-care specialist, Dr. Ijeoma Agatha Mouka, who praised Governor Chukwuma Soludo and Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, for expanding access to treatment, helping residents prevent avoidable blindness.
Mouka gave the commendation in an interview on Oct. 8, to mark World Sight Day, observed globally on the second Thursday of October each year.
She is the Medical Director of Jireh Specialist Eye Clinic, Amaenyi, Awka, and immediate past Head of Optometry at the Anambra State Ministry of Health.
A Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, Mouka described the intervention as timely, noting that cataracts remain a leading cause of blindness, while modern surgery offers an effective treatment option.
The eye specialist, who retired after 35 years in public service, urged individuals, organisations and well meaning residents to support similar initiatives to extend affordable eye-care services to more communities across Anambra State.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “Prioritising Eye Health Across Every Stage of Life,” she encouraged residents to undergo regular eye examinations, particularly those with a family history of cataracts, glaucoma and other hereditary eye conditions, stressing that early detection and prompt treatment could help prevent avoidable vision loss.
Mouka advised residents to adopt healthy habits, including taking breaks from prolonged screen use, getting adequate sleep, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption.
She cautioned against self medication, warning that even seemingly minor eye symptoms require appropriate professional attention to prevent complications.
Describing sight as essential to daily living, Mouka urged residents to take eye-health concerns seriously and seek timely medical care to preserve their vision.
MaryAnn Chukwuma is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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