The federal government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting eye health, recognizing its critical role in the nation’s development and security. This renewed focus on vision care was emphasized during the 2024 Children’s Sight Marathon event in Abuja, held to commemorate World Sight Day. Organized by the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the National Eye Health Programme (NEHP), the event placed a strong emphasis on encouraging children and parents to prioritize healthy eyesight practices.
Dr. Obinna Awiaka, Registrar and CEO of ODORBN, stressed the importance of proper nutrition and exercise for maintaining children’s eye health. Speaking at the event, Dr. Awiaka highlighted that parents and caregivers play a crucial role in supporting their children’s vision by ensuring they consume more vegetables and fruits. He advised parents to avoid removing greens from the breakfast table, as good nutrition is directly linked to healthy eyesight. “Give them vegetables, give them fruit, and let them also find ways to exercise their eyes by doing eye exercises,” Awiaka said, underscoring the necessity of including these habits in children’s daily routines.
The Children’s Sight Marathon also aimed to introduce physical activities as part of the overall effort to improve eyesight. The event featured a marathon, mini-marathon, and short races, encouraging children to participate in outdoor exercises. Awiaka explained that exposure to sunlight, which provides vitamin D, is beneficial not only for the body but also for eye health. “We want to encourage the children to exercise, come out in the sunlight, and have vitamin D,” he added. By engaging in physical activities outside of air-conditioned environments, children can foster both physical fitness and better eye care.
Additionally, the event promoted the “2020 rule,” which involves taking a break every 20 minutes while looking at screens or devices, to focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This practice is designed to prevent eye strain and maintain healthy vision in an age when screen time is increasingly prevalent.
In his speech, Dr. Awiaka shared that the marathon and associated activities were conceived with the goal of preventing blindness. “We coined this program to end blindness. This activity is to bring people together to have marathons, mini-marathons, and short races. At the point of doing it, they are exercising and making sure the eyes are healthy,” he explained. The focus on children is central to the event’s purpose, as early interventions can prevent long-term vision problems.
Beyond nutrition and exercise, regular eye check-ups are also essential. Prof. Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, reiterated this point. Represented by the Director of Hospital Services, Olawale Salaudeeen, Pate highlighted the critical link between good eyesight and overall health, noting that promoting eye care from a young age is integral to the nation’s future well-being. He urged parents and caregivers to prioritize routine eye examinations for their children to catch potential issues early. “This kind of exercise can help to detect if there’s anything wrong with the health of a child,” Pate said, stressing that eye health should be at the forefront of public health efforts.
The importance of eye health was also echoed by Hon. Emeka Idu, the representative for Onitsha North/Onitsha South in the House of Representatives. Idu praised ODORBN’s efforts and revealed plans to rally lawmakers and stakeholders to support legislation aimed at improving eye care, particularly for children. Idu emphasized that promoting eye health is a priority and announced his intention to introduce a constituency project that would provide eye care services for both privileged and underprivileged children. He underscored the need for collective action, noting that effective change requires collaboration across sectors. “Legislative support will also be sought,” Idu said. “A potential bill to support eye health initiatives will be crafted in collaboration with leaders, demonstrating the government’s commitment to addressing this critical issue.”
Assistant Inspector General of Police Bennett Igweh also spoke at the event, drawing attention to the critical role eyesight plays in security. According to Igweh, the “security of the eye” is the foundation of all security efforts. “It is the security of the eye because it’s what you see that matters,” Igweh explained. He noted that without vision—whether through cameras or the naked eye—people cannot respond to or prevent threats. Igweh’s comments highlighted the broader significance of eye health beyond individual well-being, linking it to national security.
In conclusion, the 2024 Children’s Sight Marathon event underscored the need for collective efforts to promote eye health. From the importance of proper nutrition and exercise to the role of routine eye check-ups and legislative support, it is clear that safeguarding children’s eyesight requires a multi-faceted approach. By bringing together health professionals, lawmakers, and the public, Nigeria is taking significant steps to prevent blindness and ensure a healthier future for its youth.
SOURCES
- https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/10/for-healthy-eyesight-parents-should-give-children-more-vegetables-fruits-odorbn/amp/
- https://thenationonlineng.net/fg-seeks-support-for-children-eye-security/
