Stop visiting religious homes to treat eye problems – Optometrist warns Nigerians

Former National President of Nigerian Optometric Association, Professor Emmanuel Esenwah has warned Nigerians against running to religious homes for eye treatment or buying eye drops from quacks when they experience eye problems.

Professor Esenwah who delivered a keynote speech during the World Eye Day celebration in Umuahia on Thursday, said patients should approach qualified eye care professionals in government hospitals.

He also warned that the use of breast milk in treatment of eye problems in some communities, exposes the eyes of the patients to more harms than providing solutions.

The Professor of Optometry who is the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics, Federal University of Technology Owerri, FUTO, called for early and regular eye examinations to detect eye problems early enough before they become late.

He also called for free screening, distribution of free glasses in schools and communities, to protect the children and elderly population, even as he said that welders, carpenters and timber workers handling saw dust.

In her speech, the Administrator of Abia State Eye Health Management Bearua, Dr Betty Emeka-Obasi said that her office has been addressing the eye challenges of Abia residents, with the support of Governor Alex Otti.

She urged Abia residents to examine their eyes regularly at government equipped hospitals than using herbal remedies or running to religious homes.

Also speaking, Abia State Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche reiterated that the State government’s Bank on unapproved free medical outreaches are still in force, and urged Abians to patronise government hospitals and Primary healthcare centres.