Shina Abubakar, Osogbo

Over 40,000 students of public primary and secondary schools across Osun State are suffering from different sight problems

The Executive Secretary, Osun Health Insurance Agency, OSHIA, Dr Rasaq Akindele added that unfortunately, the affected students, parents and teachers are not aware of the problem but for the eye screening exercise conducted by the state government through the agency.

Fielding questions from journalists in Osogbo on Monday, OSHIA’s Executive Secretary, Dr Rasaq Akindele disclosed that out of the 340,000 students screened, 42,000 have one eye defect or the other.

According to him, parents, teachers and even the affected students are not aware of their sight defect until the screening exercise was conducted by the OSHIA.

“Initially, we prepared for 25,000 beneficiaries but out of the 340,000 students screened for the exercise, 42,000 have one eye problem or the other and we will attend to all of them across the education zones.

“The exercise is ongoing simultaneously here in Osogbo, Ikirun, Ede, Ife, Ikire, Ila, Ilesa and Iwo. The students would be given free drugs, reading glasses, and those whose cases require surgery would be attended appropriately.

One of the beneficiaries, Adetunji Favour of Oyan Grammar School disclosed that she used to have difficulty reading, especially in the scotching sun, but the glasses just given to her has helped her sights.