By CHINYERE Nnaemeka
In commemoration of the 2023 International day of the Girl Child and the World Sight Week, the Imo State chapter of the Women Optometrists in Nigeria (WON), in collaboration with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists(NAWOJ), Imo State Chapter have conducted a free Vision Screening Outreach and Eye Health Advocacy for the less priveleged ones in the state.
The humanitarian service was rendered to the downtrodden at the Holy Family Sisters of the Needy, St. Joseph’s Home for Orphans and Destitute, Okwu Uratta in Imo State.
The women also gave free glasses and drugs to the beneficiaries.
Speaking, the NAWOJ Chairman, Dr. Dorothy Nnaji, who spoke on the theme of the 2023 International Day of the Girl Child, “Invest in Girl's Rights: Our Leadership , Our Well Being", averred that the two women professional groups are at the orphanage to ensure that the voice of the girl child is heard and her sight protected and preserved.
This she stated is the reason why they have come to educate the children on how best to protect and to take care of their eyesight, as sight she reminded is the most important part of the body.
Nnaji further noted that the female child should be nurtured in a conducive environment that would help her understand that she is not less human but a potential contributor to the society.
Expressing dismay that the rising cases of domestic and gender based violence had remained the bane to career and educational development of the girl child, the NAWOJ Chairman appealed to various governments to confront the menace and ensure it is brought to an abrupt end.
Earlier, the Chairman, Women Optometrists in Nigeria (WON), Imo State, Dr. Amarachi Opara stated that they are at the orphanage to render community eye care service to the less privileged ones who cannot afford the service on their own.
Stating that one of the aims of the Women Optometrists in Nigeria is to create awareness of the importance of good eyesight to the grassroots, Opara also disclosed that the visit to the orphanage is in commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child marked every October 11, and the World Sight Week marked from October 12.
while speaking on the theme of this year's World Sight week - "Love your Eyes at Work", she advocated on the need for Nigerians to go for regular eye check at least once or twice yearly for early discovery and treatment of underlying vision related issues.
She described the vision and eyesight of every human as the largest portal of entry of information to the brain and should be properly preserved to perform at its optimum.
Opara further thanked their numerous supporters and collaborators for being part of their success story.
Speaking on behalf of the staff of the orphanage, Rev. Sister Mary-Francis Paul Ifeoma Okoroafor expressed Joy for the visit, saying that it was so thoughtful of the team to embark on giving free eye test to the children and staff of the Orphanage.
She further noted that it is also a thing of joy to see that the girl child who according to her was neglected in the society, is now being recognized.P
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