Osun State Government through the Imole Eye Health Initiative has provided free eye treatment to over 42,000 Students in different public primary and secondary schools across the state.
The Initiative which was launched by the Osun State Health Insurance Agency in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, aimed to provide adequate eye care among students through eye examinations, provision of eyeglasses, medications, and surgical interventions.
While speaking with newsmen, Osun Health Insurance Agency Executive Secretary, Dr Rasaq Akindele stated that the initial plan was to take care of 25,000 students but right now the data is about 42,000 plus.
He, also disclosed that the treatment is ongoing simultaneously in different zones across the state while assuring that the agency is monitoring the activities thoroughly.
“So far so good, I’m impressed. This is just noon and we have given about 500 students glasses.
“This eye care is going on simultaneously everywhere in the state, every zone and we’re monitoring what is going on there.
“Unfortunately what we prepared for was 25,000, but what we have seen from the data now is about 42,000 plus, we are going to provide all of them with what they need. He added
He, however, appreciated parents for releasing their children and wards to participate in the exercise.
Speaking on the reaction of the beneficiaries, a Consultant Opthalmologist at Uniosun Teaching Hospital, Dr Modupe Adebayo stated, that most of the students knew about their eye condition before the test, but they couldn’t go to the hospital for proper treatment because of financial challenges at home.
“What we also discovered is that most of these children have eye issues which they’re aware of but because of financial constraints, their parents didn’t take them to the hospital, some of these children said they didn’t inform their parents at home. Most of them informed their parents and the parents said they did not have money for treatment.
“We’ve seen over 200 pupils, we are taking it with them slowly because pupils need patience, unlike older students. We’ve given them glasses, several drugs, anti-allergy, anti-biotics, and anagelsic , depending on the examination results of each child.” She added.
In an interview with the Local Inspector of Education from Ejigbo Local government, Mrs Akindele Omobola, she commended Governor Adeleke for loving the grassroots and masses in general.
According to her, “Most children are just coming to school, they cannot see what the teachers are teaching them.
Some of the students who spoke with our correspondent appreciated the kind gesture from OSHIA and the state government
Adedeji Favour from Akinorun High School Ikirun said, “The condition of my eyes was poor before, I couldn’t see very well. But now after the treatment, I can see clearly and well enough. I’m very glad because I can see better now, I know this will help my studies as well.
Shuab Nofisat from Inisha Grammar School said, “I don’t see inside the sun, I always use sunscreen but now it has improved. I appreciate what they did for us.”
