Corps Member Offers Free Eye Screening For 500 Pupils

A Batch B corps member, Dr. Francisca Ekwuruibe, has conducted free eye screening on 500 pupils of St. Paul’s Township Primary School, Jos.

Ekwuruibe, who is an optometrist, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday that she was moved because majority of eye patients were children.

According to her, most of the pupils with undetected eye challenges are usually labeled as unintelligent by their teachers, because they can’t read what is written on the board.

“This visual screening exercise would detect such pupils. Free eye medications and glasses will be given to those with minor eye impediments for correction.

“Pupils with severe impediments will be given referral letters to JUTH for further management,” she said.

Ekwuruibe advised parents to always feed their children and wards with food and fruits rich in Vitamin A, which helps in improving eye sight to minimise sight-related issues.

She advised them to be very observant of their wards, especially those who go very close to the television system while watching.

“Parents should also watch out for children who usually complain after walking under the sun.

“Once these defects are not identified and treated on time, most of the cases could degenerate into various complications which may lead to blindness if not properly managed,” she said.