The Nigerian Optometric Association, Lagos Chapter (NOA Lagos), is gearing up to make a significant impact on World Sight Day 2023, promoting the theme “Love Your Eyes at Work.” This annual global event, dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of eye health, is set to take place on Thursday, October 12, 2023.
About World Sight Day
World Sight Day is an International Day of Awareness dedicated to addressing the global issue of preventable blindness and visual impairment. It is observed on the second Thursday of October every year. The day serves as a crucial platform to advocate for the right to sight and raises public awareness about eye health issues.
World Sight Day 2023
This year, World Sight Day 2023 will focus on the theme “Love Your Eyes at Work.” The choice of this theme is particularly pertinent, as many people spend a significant portion of their waking hours engaged in various work-related activities that may put strain on their eyes. This presents an excellent opportunity to emphasize the importance of caring for our eyes in the workplace and beyond.
The Importance of the Awareness Drive About Eye Health in Nigeria
In Nigeria, where eye health issues are prevalent, this year’s World Sight Day carries immense significance. Eye health problems, often stemming from factors like improper eye care, lack of awareness, and limited access to quality eye care services, impact the lives of millions of Nigerians. In a nation without any major consideration for the plight of people, highlighting the importance of eye health towards preventing irreversible is essential.
NOA Lagos at the Forefront of Sensitization and Quality Eye Care Delivery
NOA Lagos is spearheading an ambitious awareness campaign, eye care sensitization and free visual acuity checks in Lagos State. Their dedication to promoting eye health, increasing awareness, and providing quality eye care services is quite commendable. They recognize that vision is not only crucial to personal well-being but also to the economic growth and development of Nigeria.
Activities of the 2023 World Sight Day
The lineup of activities for this year’s World Sight Day are:
- Walk for Sight – Wednesday, October 11, 2023
– Venue: Alausa, Ikeja
– Time: 8:00 am
– Take-off Point: Lagos State Ministry of Health, Block 4, The Secretariat Alausa
- Vision Screening – Wednesday, October 11, 2023
– Venue: Lion’s Garden, opposite Alausa Secretariat
– Time: 10:00 am
- Eye Health Talk & Screening – Thursday, October 12, 2023
– A) NUT (National Union of Teachers) – Lagos NUT Pavilion Events Centre, Plot 5, Block B, NERDC Road, CBD, Beside Tisco Plaza, Alausa CBD, Ikeja, Lagos at 10:00 pm
– B) NUAAE (National Union of Agro & Allied) – Lagos State Abattoir & Lairage, Old Abeokuta Road, Abattoir Bus Stop, Oko-Oba Agege
– C) NUJ (National Union of Journalists) – 9A, Iyalla Street, Ikeja, close to or beside Shoprite, Alausa, Ikeja
Speaking on World Sight Day 2023
Dr. Gloria Okoekhian, the state president of NOA Lagos, shared her thoughts on the occasion: “Eye health is a precious gift, and we believe that every Nigerian should have access to quality eye care. Our efforts during World Sight Day 2023 are a step in the right direction to educate our fellow citizens on the significance of loving and caring for their eyes, particularly at work. We are committed to improving eye health across Nigeria, and World Sight Day is the perfect platform to rally together in support of this vital cause.”
As the NOA Lagos Chapter leads an awareness drive on vision care and continues to provide eye care services, it’s anticipated that World Sight Day 2023 will make a significant impact in the battle against preventable blindness and visual impairment in Nigeria.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
