The Centre for Social Awareness, Advocacy and Ethics (CSAAE) has raised awareness to quality eye health care, while delivering free eye glasses and free eye treatments to residents of Orogwe in Owerri North LGA; Owerri Municipal and other parts of Imo state.
C-Advocate reports that the intervention was part of activities marking the weeklong World. Glaucoma Week marked around the world on March 9 – 14 of each year.
Also the centre carried out health education, sensitization /awareness on glaucoma and presbyopia, health insurance and free eye check.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness. It is estimated that over 80 million people worldwide suffer from glaucoma, with many cases going undiagnosed. World Glaucoma Day is observed annually on March 12th to raise awareness about glaucoma and promote early detection and treatment.
The event aimed to raise awareness about glaucoma, provide free eye checking services, and dispense reading glasses to those in need had a total of 250 patients screened, with 150 patients requiring corrective measures, and 120 patients receiving reading glasses.
According to CSAAE’s C-Health Primary Health Coordinator, Mr Stephen Amadi the programme was intended to:
- Raise awareness about the risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options for glaucoma, presbyopia and other eye defects at the primary level, to encourage individuals to take proactive steps towards maintaining good eye health.
- Offer free eye checks to identify individuals with eye problems, including presbyopia and other eye defects at the primary level and provide referrals for further treatment and management.
- Dispense free reading glasses to individuals who require corrective measures for presbyopia, to improve their quality of life and productivity.
- Educate individuals on the importance of health insurance in accessing eye care services, and provide information on available health insurance options.
- Contribute to the reduction of avoidable blindness by providing access to eye care services, promoting early detection and treatment, and educating individuals on the importance of eye health and others.
C-HEALTH team conducted free eye examinations for distance vision and near vision, trauma in the eyes, chemicals spill in the eyes, redness/injury in the eyes and swollen eyes, abnormal iris and others eye problems within the scope of primary health care.
Patients /clients were screened for visual acuity, refractive errors, and other eye problems. A specialized presbyopia screening program was also conducted, where patients/clients were screened for presbyopia using reading charts for distant and near vision visual reading charts, fingers, touch light etc.
The Centre also:
- Organized public lectures on glaucoma, presbyopia and other eye defects, featuring expert speakers and panel discussions was given to the participants.
- Utilized social media platforms to disseminate information, promote the event, and engage with the target audience.
- A health education program was conducted, where patients were educated on the importance of regular eye examinations, glaucoma awareness, and eye care tips.Patients were also provided with a opportunities for questions and answers sessions.
- Provided free eye checks to identify individuals with eye problems, including presbyopia, near and distant vision, redness of the eye, trauma and swollen eyes etc and corrective /reading glasses were given to them at no cost.
- Dispensed free reading glasses to individuals who required corrective measures for presbyopia.
- Referred patients with detected eye problems to appropriate healthcare facilities (Imo State Specialist Hospital Umuguma) for further treatment and management.
- Provided information on available health insurance.
- Assisted individuals with enrolling in health insurance programs.
- Conducted community meetings and minimization through the OICs to promote the event and engage with the target audience.
- Partnered with community groups/existing CBOs, schools, and places of worship to promote the event and give adequate health education and sensitization.
- Utilized local media outlets like town cryers through the OICs to promote the event and raise awareness about glaucoma, presbyopia, health insurance and other eye defects at the primary eye care level.
- Conducted surveys to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to glaucoma, presbyopia, health insurance etc before and after the event.
- Monitored event attendance, participation, and engagement to evaluate the effectiveness of the event.
- Followed up with participants to assess the impact of the event on their knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to glaucoma, presbyopia, health insurance and other eye disorders within the scope of the primary eye care level.
A total of 205 individuals attended the public lectures and sensitization. The program’s social media campaign reached a wider audience, with over 800 engagements and a reach of over 2000 people.
The free eye check component of the program was also highly successful, with over 200 individuals received free eye checks. Of these, 120 individuals were screened for presbyopia and referred for further treatment and management to Imo State Specialist Hospital, Umuguma for cases beyond the scope of primary eye care.
The program also dispensed over 100 free reading glasses to individuals who required corrective measures for presbyopia.
In the area of health insurance, the program provided information on available health insurance options.
The program also assisted over 100 individuals with awareness and sensitization on health insurance programs and how to monitor and access them, while assisting in registering some individuals into the NHIS scheme.
The program’s community outreach and engagement efforts were also successful, with over 10 community groups and organization participated in the outreach and shared their respective successful stories which helped to boast others morale and give them sense of belonging.
The program further conducted pre- and post-event surveys to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to glaucoma, presbyopia, health insurance and other eye defects such as trauma in the eyes, redness of the eyes, chemical spills on the eyes etc..
The results showed a significant increase in knowledge and awareness about glaucoma, presbyopia and other eye defects as well as health insurance among the participants.
The program also followed up with participants to assess the impact of the program on their knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to glaucoma, presbyopia and health insurance.
The World Glaucoma Week program was a success, achieving its objectives and making a significant impact on the communities.
The program’s achievements demonstrate the importance of community-based initiatives in promoting eye health and reducing the burden of glaucoma, presbyopia and other eye defects by leveraging on health.
The World Glaucoma Week program was designed to be sustainable, with a focus on building partnerships and leveraging resources to support ongoing eye health initiatives.
Partnerships with community groups and organizations, which can help support ongoing eye health initiatives and provide a framework for future programs and development of educational materials and resources, which can be used to support ongoing eye health initiatives and provide a foundation for future programs.
Training and capacity building for healthcare professionals, which can help support ongoing eye health initiatives and provide a framework for future programs.
The CSAAE would therefore like to acknowledge the support of Owerri Municipal Council and Orogwe Health Facility and OICs and other health staff who assisted in mobilization, screening and, registering and counseling the communities eye.
The success story includes assistance rendered to the following persons:
- Mrs. Nwafor Patience , a 65-year-old grandmother, had been experiencing blurred vision and eye strain for several years. Despite her symptoms, she had never undergone a comprehensive eye examination. As a result, her condition had worsened, and she was struggling to perform daily tasks. During World Glaucoma Week, Mrs. Nwafor Patience attended a free eye check event organized by our team. After a thorough examination, she was diagnosed with presbyopia. Our team provided her with free reading glasses. Thanks to the timely intervention, Mrs. Nwafor Patience’s vision was restored, and she was able to regain her independence. She was able to read, cook, and care for her grandchildren without difficulty. Moreover, Mrs. Nwafor Patience became an advocate for eye health in her community. She encouraged her friends and family to undergo regular eye examinations and shared her story to raise awareness about the importance of eye health.
- Mr. Romanus Nwogu a 57year old man stated that “I can’t read my Bible comfortably lately and I felt like the devil is tricking me now to stay away from my Bible and after the free eye check and screening, I received free reading glass and I can comfortably read my Bible without any fear or slumber again and thanks for bringing this kind of program to my door step at zero cost.
- Mrs. Ola Joy a 69 year old woman was happy after few years ago, she couldn’t pick beans and she stopped going to her duaghers’ eatery because she couldn’t pick beans with her eyes, she heard of world gluocoma week and was screened and she received her reading glass and I paraphrase, “I can select and separate the beans from stones now because i feel like my sight was restored. I will definitely go and assist my daughter in her establishment because I can see better and now”.
- Mrs. Nwachukwu Chibuzor, a 41-year-old mother of four , had been experiencing blurred vision and eye strain for several months. During our free eye test event, she was diagnosed with presbyopia and received a pair of reading glasses. Her vision was restored, and she was able to care for her children without difficulty.
- 10-year-old Chukwuemeka had been complaining of eye pain and redness. Our team examined him and diagnosed a minor eye injury. We provided treatment and referred him to a specialist for further evaluation. Thanks to our intervention, Chukwuemeka’s sight was saved.
- 75-year-old Pa Udensi Matthew had been struggling with reading and daily tasks due to presbyopia. Our team provided him with a pair of reading glasses, and he was able to regain his independence. He expressed gratitude for our services and encouraged others to prioritize their eye health.
- Ms. Nneoma, a 28-year-old entrepreneur, had suffered an eye injury during a car accident. Our team provided her with emergency care and referred her to a specialist for further treatment. Thanks to our intervention, Ms.
Nneoma’s vision was restored.
- Our team organized a community outreach program to raise awareness about glaucoma /presbyopia, redness of the eye, trauma in the eyes, health insurance, and eye health. We gave super learning and demonstrations on eye care and health and provided free eye tests to over 100 community members. The event was a huge success, and we received positive feedback from the community.
- Our team talked to over 150 community members for health insurance during our event. This will enable them to access quality healthcare services, including eye care, without financial burden upon their successful registration.
- Our team provided free eye tests and reading glasses free of charge to over 30 underprivileged community members. This initiative aimed to bridge the gap in eye care services for marginalized populations. We organized an eye health education program for them. We taught them about the importance of eye health, how to protect their eyes, and what to do in case of an eye emergency. The initiative aims to reduce the prevalence of eye diseases and promote healthy vision.
- Our team collaborated with local healthcare providers to refer patients with complex eye conditions for further treatment. This partnership ensured that patients received comprehensive care and management.
- Our team provided eye care services and support to a family of five who had been struggling to access quality eye care. We provided them with reading glasses, eye drops, and referrals for further treatment.
- We celebrated the success story of Mrs Anyanwu Chiamaka, lost hope in her sight because she couldn’t pass rope through a niddle and during our free eye test event. Her vision was restored as she received a paired of her reading glass and she was able to return to his daily activities of sewing.
- Our team partnered with some health centres to promote eye health awareness and encourage community members to prioritize their eye health. The partnership was successful, and we received positive feedback from the community. We provided eye care services to rural communities, where access to quality eye care is limited. We provided free eye tests, reading glasses, and referrals for further treatment.
- Our team examined a 5 months baby who had been born with a congenital eye condition. We provided emergency care of Checking her sight with pen touch and referred the baby to Imo State Specialist Hospital Umuguma for further treatment. Thanks to our intervention, the baby’s sight was saved. A whole lots of stories to be shared but let’s stop here for now.
Take advantage of C-Advocate’s C-Health initiative today by dialing the toll-free line 08009001000.