Osun Uncovers Over 42,000 Pupils With Eye Problems, Commences Free Treatment

The Osun Health Insurance Agency, OSHIA, has uncovered over 42,000 pupils in the state’s public primary and secondary schools with eye challenges.

AMILOADED had earlier reported that OSHIA, an agency of the state government, commenced screening of students for the Imole School Eye Health Programme across the state last week.

Speaking during the on-the-spot monitoring of the exercise on Monday in Osogbo, the capital of Osun, the Executive Secretary of OSHIA, Dr. Rasaq Akindele, stated that the initial target was 25,000, but based on the available data, the agency uncovered over 42,000 students with eye-related problems.

Dr. Akindele affirmed that they are going to provide the beneficiary students with what they need as prescribed by the doctors.

He appreciated the parents for releasing their wards to participate in the exercise, noting that quite a lot of pupils have eye challenges that their parents and teachers don’t know about, affecting them academically.

According to him, “This is going to really impact their education. We are capturing all pupils in public primary and secondary schools now. Subsequently, we will review and know the way forward.”

The OSHIA boss added that the screening and distribution of Imole glasses have commenced simultaneously across six zones, which include Osogbo, Ede, Ikirun, Ilesa, Iwo, and Ila.

Also speaking with Amiloaded, the Local Inspector of Education in Ejigbo Local Government, Akindele Muinat Omobola, commended Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, for his effort and love for the masses.

While noting that there are some students coming to school and unable to read due to lack of eye treatment, she added that the challenges persist as a result of financial problems facing their parents.

At places visited by Amiloaded on Monday for assessment, thousands of students received Imole glasses as the program continues across the state.

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