BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto
In commemoration of the World Glaucoma Day, eye specialists from the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto has taken an awareness campaign to members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm in the State.
The eye medical team led by a Consultant and UDUTH Head of Ophthalmology Department, (Dr) Mustapha Bature appealed to all and sundry to take adequate care of their eyes, saying, it’s one of the most sensitive organs in the human body.
Consultant Mustapha who decried that glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blondness, added that, early detection and treatment could prevent permanent vision loss.
“””Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness and vision lost to glaucoma cannot be regained. Because of this, we believe it is crucial to enlighten the public about the need for early eye check-ups to preserve their vision and maintain their quality of life.
”And in acknowledgement of this, we have decided to collaborate with journalists in the state considering how important they are in information dissemination, especially as it regards the health of public”‘.
While noting that
Doctors and journalists share a long-standing relationship, Dr Mustapha Bature re-affirmed that, “‘Journalists have access to all corners of the society, including places we cannot easily reach.
“Therefore, by partnering and engaging the media, we are indirectly reaching the entire community with our message,” Consultant Bature enthused.
While at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Sokoto State Council Secretariat, the team of eye experts also provided free eye screenings, drugs, glasses and sensitization on the dangers of eye ailments, clarify myths about causes of eye ailments and provide useful tips on healthy eyes.
Commenting on the development, the Chairman of NUJ Sokoto State Council, Comrade Usman Binji, said the partnership was highly appreciated, hence it suitably aligns with his leadership mandate of commitment to the well-being of its members.
“”During our electioneering campaign, we pledged to improve the welfare of our members. This is not just about financial support but also about ensuring their health and well-being.
“”That is why we invited these medical experts to provide free eye screenings for our members,” Comrade Binji noted.
On their parts, some of the journalists who benefited from the gesture discribed the partnership as not only healthy but very important as both professional bodies (media/medicals) are very important to fostering a healthy society.
