The Nigerian Optometric Association has called onrural and urban Nigerians to take charge of their sight by demanding better eyecare services from the government. President of the Association Ozy Okonokhua,, made thecall in Abuja, in commemoration of the annual World Optometry Day, held onMarch 23. Okonokhua, who said every Nigerian, had the right tosight by having optometrists in their healthcare centres for constant eyechecks and care, however, regretted that such rights were being deniedcitizens. He said that a lot of persons in rural areas wereavoidably blind due to lack of access to primary eye care providers. He also noted that such unfortunate health complicationcould have been averted if optometrists were designated in such communitieswhich had primary health services; but lacked eye care services. “A nation with primary health services without primaryeye care services is like a body moving without eyes. “There are many persons today who are avoidably blindin rural areas, but if government had the will power to deploy optometrists tocomplement its efforts, this problem could have been avoided. “We therefore implore Nigerian citizens everywhere totake charge of their sight. “It is your duty and responsibility to find anoptometrist wherever possible to examine your eyes regularly so as to ensure abetter sight, better life and better tomorrow,’’ the NOA president said. He said the eye was a sensitive organ that neededoptimal care and it was only an optometrist that would be able to diagnose,treat and manage visual diseases, injuries, and disorders; as well as identifyrelated systemic conditions affecting eyesight. According to him, the eye doctor will be able toprevent premature blindness by prescribing the correct medications, visiontherapy; and also perform certain surgical procedures. Okonokhua said only the optometrist could be able togive the right counselling for patients in respect to surgical and non-surgicaloptions that would meet their visual needs and according to their occupationsand lifestyle. Speaking on the significance of the day; the NOApresident said that the World Optometry Day was celebrated annually to createawareness about optometry and its doctors that were dedicating their lives topreventing the loss of the “precious gift of sight’’. “Today all humans with gifted sight celebrate a nobleprofession that goes beyond sight. “A wise man once said; next to life is light and nextto light is sight; we celebrate the patriarch of the profession. “We remember those who are far away in ruralcommunities hoping that one day a doctor of Optometry would come to their aid. “We celebrate optometrists around the world who aresignificantly contributing to improving the quality of life of all persons ofall ages; we celebrate optometrists in Nigeria for their enormous contributionsto eye health,’’ Okonokhua said. (NAN)