The Leo District 418 Ghana of the Lions International has urged for better access to eye-care services, particularly in underserved communities, to promote early detection and prevent avoidable vision problems. This call was made during an eye-health awareness and screening exercise organised in collaboration with the Lions International Eye Centre at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, to commemorate World Sight Day 2026. The exercise aimed to raise awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations and good eye health.
The eye-health awareness and screening exercise, held on the theme, “Love Your Eyes,” included an educational talk on eye health, the refurbishment of the Centre’s faded signboard, and free eye screening and vision assessments for patients and their relatives. Selected beneficiaries who required corrective lenses were provided with free spectacles based on recommendations from eye-care professionals. This initiative was led by Mr Jasmine Kekeli Cudjoe Sosu, the Leo District Service Chairperson.
Mr Sosu urged the public to prioritise regular eye examinations and seek professional attention whenever they noticed changes in their vision, rather than resorting to self-medication or unqualified sources of advice. He also mentioned that the organisation would pursue further collaborations with eye-care professionals, health institutions, and Lions and Leo Clubs to expand community-based screening and education programmes, particularly for schools, vulnerable groups and underserved communities.
Dr Naa Naamuah Tagoe, the Head of Department of the Lions International Eye Centre at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, emphasised the importance of regular eye examinations to prevent avoidable blindness and ensure early treatment of eye conditions. She highlighted that early detection was particularly important for conditions such as glaucoma, which could cause irreversible blindness if not diagnosed and managed promptly.
Dr Tagoe recommended annual eye examinations, particularly for people aged 30 and above and those with a family history of glaucoma. She explained that the condition could progress without noticeable symptoms while damaging the optic nerve. Unlike cataracts, which could be treated through surgery, blindness caused by glaucoma was irreversible, making early diagnosis and consistent use of prescribed medication essential.
Dr Tagoe also encouraged parents to promote outdoor activities among children and arrange regular eye checks, warning that prolonged screen use and limited outdoor activity had been associated with increasing short-sightedness in children. She cautioned parents to seek prompt medical attention if children developed unusual eye movements or a white, cat-like reflection in the eye, which could indicate retinoblastoma, a potentially life-threatening eye tumour.
The Head of Department advised the public against using herbal preparations or unprescribed medication in the eyes, warning that such practices could damage the cornea and cause serious complications. She urged patients to follow prescribed treatment, ask questions during hospital visits and seek professional care for any unusual eye symptoms instead of self-medicating. Regular eye examinations and timely treatment remained essential to preserving sight and preventing avoidable blindness.
Key points
- The Leo District 418 Ghana of Lions International calls for improved access to eye-care services.
- An eye-health awareness and screening exercise was organised to commemorate World Sight Day 2026.
- Dr Naa Naamuah Tagoe emphasised the importance of regular eye examinations to prevent avoidable blindness.
