By Emmanuel Koffa
The Eye Health Department of the Grand Kru County Health Team, has commenced a three-day District Eye Health Planning Meeting at the Barclayville City Hall. The District Eye Health Planning Meeting is initiated with support from international non-governmental organization Sightsavers. The meeting, which began on Monday, December 15, brought together local government officials, district health authorities, youth and women’s groups, and persons with disabilities. The conduct was to jointly strategize on improving access to eye health services in Grand Kru County. Emmanuel Kanneh, Program Manager at Sightsavers, and facilitator of the session, said the engagement is intended to identify practical and inclusive approaches to eye health service delivery. “This meeting is about bringing everyone to the table to brainstorm realistic, and sustainable ways to ensure that eye health services are accessible to all people, regardless of age, gender, or disability.” Kanneh reaffirmed Sightsavers’ long-standing vision of promoting inclusive health care, and preventing avoidable blindness. “Our vision at Sightsavers is a world where no one is blind from avoidable causes, and where persons with disabilities can fully and equally participate in society.”
Mr. Kanneh highlighted cataracts and glaucoma, as some of the most common eye conditions affecting communities.
He said, the risk of eye damage increases significantly with age, particularly from 50 years and above.
“Conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma, remain major contributors to vision loss, especially among older persons, and early detection is key to preventing avoidable blindness.”
Mr. Kanneh called on the participants to work closely with the County Eye Health Department to promote preventive eye care and timely treatment.
“We must work hand in hand with the County Eye Health Department to build an eye-healthy society, because vision loss directly affects productivity, independence, and overall quality of life.”
He spoke of collective responsibility of all stakeholders to advance eye health in all parts of the county.
“Eye health is not only a medical issue; it is everyone’s business. When we protect our eyes, we protect our future,” Mr. Kanneh.