By Onwa Ekor
Ahead of the October 8 World Sight Day, the Nigerian Optometric Association, NOA, Cross River Chapter, has raised alarm over growing quackery in eye care delivery, especially in rural communities.
State Chairperson of the Association, Dr. Ogechi Chukwu, gave the hint during an advocacy visit to the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Cross River Council, in Calabar recently.
Chukwu intimated that when qualified eye-care services are unavailable, people become vulnerable to unqualified persons who provide inappropriate examination and treatment.
“When qualified eye-care services are unavailable, people become vulnerable to unqualified persons who may provide inappropriate eye examinations or treatment,” Chukwu said.
This, she pointed out remains a serious public-health issue that deserves speedy attention.
She appealed to the media to educate residents to seek eye care only from qualified and licensed professionals and to highlight the dangers of patronising quacks.
According to her, the World Sight Day 2026, with the theme “Love Your Eyes,” will focus on teachers and eye health.
The NOA chairperson reasoned that teachers are often the first to notice when a child struggles to see the board or read, adding that these teachers also need good vision to teach effectively.
“That is why we are planning eye-health education and vision screening for teachers as part of our World Sight Day activities,” she said.
The association urged the NUJ to create awareness on the importance of regular eye examination, amplify teacher-focused activities, educate the public on quackery and advocate for employment of more Optometrists in rural communities.
Continuing, Chukwu informed that Cross River currently has only two Optometrists in the state civil service, a development that worsens the access gap.
“We respectfully ask NUJ to advocate for employment of more qualified Optometrists especially in rural communities,” she pleaded.
She invited the NUJ Chairman to join the LoveYourEyes movement by pledging to prioritise eye health and support efforts to make quality eye care accessible to all Cross Riverians.
Responding, NUJ Chairman, Comrade Archibong Bassey, assured the association of the Council’s support in public enlightenment and advocacy for improved eye care services.
