NIgerian Optometrists have called for comprehensive evaluation of children with visual impairment starting from birth with a view to nip in the bud avoidable blindness among Nigerian children.

To this end, the three tiers of government has been urged to build eye centres in communities across the country in order to guarantee screening and treatment access to all Nigerians and children in particular.

The eye specialists under the auspices of Nigerian Optometric Association, NOA, Lagos State Branch, also posited that government should make eye screening part of the examinations carried out on newborns before they are discharged from the hospital.

The Guest Lecturer and a Consultant Optometrist, Dr Ngozi Musa who stressed the need for comprehensive evaluation of children with low vision advocate inclusion of eye screening from newborns before they are taken home from the hospitals.

Musa noted that low vision may be congenital advised mothers to monitor their babies immediately after birth. “I advise pregnant women to also keep away from alcohol and other unhealthy lifestyles that may expose their babies to such problems in future.”

Stating that low vision could make everyday tasks difficult, she noted that 4.4 million children visually impaired have no access to any form of education.

“There is need for appropriate evaluation, management and rehabilitative services for these children. Comprehensive optometric low vision care can significantly improve the quality of life for visually impaired children.”

Registrar, Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board of Nigeria, ODORBN, Dr. Sam Ntem, said availability of eye clinics in the urban and rural areas would prevent many Nigerians from getting blind.

While noting shortage of eye facilities in the country, he urged Nigerians to take responsibility of their eyes.

Decrying shortage of optometrists, he particularly called on the Lagos State Government to employ more optometrists.