ABIA STATE GOVERNMENT APPROVES COMMEMORATION OF 2025 WORLD SIGHT DAY WITH FREE EYE CARE SERVICES, SYMPOSIUM IN UMUAHIA

The Abia State Executive Council has approved the commemoration of this year’s World Sight Day, as part of Governor Alex Otti’s administration’s commitment to promoting public health and improving access to quality healthcare services across the state.

The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Sir Okey Kanu, on Monday at the Government House, Umuahia, while briefing journalists after this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR.

According to the Information Commissioner, this year’s celebration with the global theme “Love Your Eye, Vision for All,” commenced on the 6th of October and will last till the 10th of October, featuring several free medical outreach programs. These include free eye screenings, distribution of free glasses, provision of drugs, and professional counseling aimed at improving eye health and preventing avoidable blindness among Abians.

Prince Kanu further revealed that the Abia State Eye Health Management Bureau will on Thursday hold a high-level symposium titled “Prioritizing Eye Health, A Collective Approach”, at the JAAC Building, Umuahia, bringing together experts, policymakers, and healthcare providers to discuss strategies for advancing eye health in the state.

“Permit me to use this medium to invite all who have one eye challenge or the other to attend the symposium as well as visit the Vision Centres at the functionalized Primary Health Centres to be attended to, free of charge,” Prince Kanu stated.

The Commissioner emphasized that the Alex Otti-led administration remains steadfast in ensuring that every Abian has access to quality and affordable healthcare, noting that the free eye care program reflects the government’s broader vision of a healthier, more productive population.

The 2025 World Sight Day celebration in Abia is expected to draw participation from health professionals, students, and the general public, as the state continues to lead in health sector reforms and community-based medical in terventions.