Dave Umahi Univ Teaching Hospital holds 2-Day Free Eye Screening

David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital has carried out free eye screening for no fewer than 100 persons from Ebonyi State and beyond.

The Opthalmology Department of the hospital commenced the two Day Free In-Reach Eye Screening programme yesterday at the newly activated DUFUTH's ultramodern Eye Centre.

In a chat, Dr. Okoro Uchenna Okoro, a Consultant Opthalmologist at the centre, said that the Free In-Reach Eye Screening would examine, diagnose and treat patients with minor cases, while those with severe cases may be recommended for surgery. 

According to him, it was also a medium for creating awareness on the cutting edge equipment, and services available at the hospital as well as the relocation of the Eye clinic to the new Centre of Excellence building.

He further stressed that patients were drawn from five Local Government Areas in  Ebonyi South namely:  Ohaozara, Ivo, Onicha, Afikpo - North and Afikpo - South after pre- sensitization activities about the intended screening in churches, collaborations with traditional rulers and community leaders in these local government areas.

An interactive session with the patients was conducted by Dr. Rose Adajoe Agwunobi to kick start the programme where she advised them  to come to the hospital when faced with challenges with respect to their eyes rather than resorting to harsh and raw methods in handling problems with the eyes such as the use of crude oil, breast milk, urine, juice from scent leaf, the use of orthangele (a local black powdered eye substance).

She also admonished them to increase the intakes of fruits, vegetables and water and to cut down fizzy drinks and highly processed foods.

Patients attended to on the first day of the programme were within the age bracket ranging from 40years and above, apart from one Three and Eight years olds.

Mrs. Uturo Glory Okwuchkwu, a Medical Record Officer from the Medical Record Department also explained to them their roles in patient care and where they can be found in the main hospital building.

The screening exercise continues today, Friday.