Dr. Kwasi Yeboah of the Global Health Alliance has lauded the idea of setting aside a day to sensitize the rest of the world on the essence of keeping a good eye sight. According to him, a day such as World Sight Day which is celebrated annually on the second Thursday of October, does not only offer the opportunity for the creation of a global attention on blindness and vision impairment, but also to remind all of the essence to keep good sight.
Dr. Yeboah who disclosed this in interview with Rite News underscored the need for good eyesight which he added helps in the building of productivity and anyone without good eyesight remains a burden to their families and the country in general.
The Renowned Optometrist attributed the cause of blindness to several factors. These he enumerated included Glaucoma, Retinal Detachment, Retinopathy, Cataract, Macular Degeneration and others.
A worrying trend, he revealed is that thousands of people go blind every minute worldwide, a situation he adds calls for the consumption of foods that are rich in minerals ad vitamin A and C respectively.
He concluded that, Ghana is fortunate to be blessed with the moringa tree and the local red oil and therefore advised that all make good use of the plants which he said aids in building good eyesight.
Background of World Sight Day
World Sight Day is observed on the second Thursday of October, each year with the focus on global attention on blindness and vision impairment.
2017 is the fifth year of the WHO Global Action and IAPB encourages our members and partners to continue with our rolling theme:
This year, the ‘Call to Action’ for the World sight Day is; Make Vision Count.
Ghana Joins the World to Celebrates World Sight Day
Ghana will join the world to celebrate World Sight Day today to create awareness on the need for stakeholders to take action to reduce blindness in the country.
The national celebration would be held in Koforidua in the Eastern Region.
Ghana Health Service in collaboration with Saver International and Support from Vodafone would undertake cataract operations for 2500 patients from October to November, this year.
This year’s celebration is on the theme: ‘’ Reducing Blindness, The Importance of Eye Care in National Development’’.
Source: Joyce Bedeley/ ritefmonline.org
