By Ifeanyichukwu Ibe
The Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA), Imo State Chapter, has strengthened its flagship public health campaign, “Anya Ndi Imo Di Mma”, with the unveiling of a comprehensive eye health data report highlighting the state of eye health among commercial drivers in Imo State.
The report, presented during the association’s Second Quarterly General Meeting held on Sunday, July 5, 2026, in Owerri, was compiled from findings gathered during the association’s 2025 World Sight Week campaign, with special focus on: “Road Safety Through Vision Care for Drivers.
At the meeting, attended by professors, senior optometrists, practitioners, interns, students and other stakeholders, members reaffirmed their commitment to improving eye care delivery in the state and formally presented the report contained in the Imo Eye Health Data Biannual Bulletin.
The gathering also featured insightful lectures by Dr. Christy Ibe and Dr. Ifeyinwa Agwah, who delivered presentations that provided practical knowledge and stimulated discussions on contemporary issues in optometry and the future of eye care service delivery.
According to the report, presbyopia was the most prevalent eye condition among the screened drivers, affecting 67.4 percent of participants. Reduced visual acuity followed at 33.3 percent, while other conditions identified included pterygium 15.8 percent, cataract 14.2 percent, glaucoma 8.7 percent and monocular vision 1.6 percent.
While geographical coverage across the three geopolitical zones of Imo State, demonstrated the initiative’s commitment to equitable access to eye care services. The distribution of screened participants showed that Orlu Zone accounted for the largest proportion of beneficiaries, representing 38.4 percent of the total population screened. Okigwe Zone and Owerri Zone accounted for 30.6 percent and 30.8 percent respectively.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the NOA, Imo State Chapter, Dr. Patrick Iwuchukwu, described data collection as the foundation of evidence-based eye health planning and service delivery.
He said reliable data enable eye care professionals and policymakers to understand the prevalence and distribution of eye diseases, identify vulnerable populations, monitor trends in visual impairment and allocate resources effectively.
Dr. Iwuchukwu, who is also the Head of Quality Assurance at the Imo State Health Insurance Agency (IMSHIA), commended optometrists across the state for their professionalism, commitment and diligence in generating reliable data that would support policy formulation, advocacy, intervention assessment and evidence-based decision-making.
He described the data generated through the “Anya Ndi Imo Di Mma” initiative as a valuable public health resource capable of improving eye health outcomes in the state, adding that the association was committed to making Imo State the leading state in eye care delivery in Nigeria.
While appreciating the administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma for supporting the association’s activities, Dr. Iwuchukwu emphasized the need for government to translate the report’s findings into sustainable improvements in eye care.
He urged the government to integrate comprehensive eye care into primary healthcare services, support routine population-based eye health surveillance and make periodic vision screening a key component of public health programmes across the state.
He further recommended strengthening referral systems, investing in modern eye care infrastructure and equipment, recruiting and retaining adequate eye care personnel, expanding financial support through health insurance and other mechanisms to improve access to affordable eye care, and deepening collaboration with the NOA, educational institutions, development partners and the private sector to sustain and expand the “Anya Ndi Imo Di Mma” initiative to underserved communities.
Addressing residents of the state, Dr. Iwuchukwu warned against self-medication and encouraged regular eye examinations, early detection and prompt treatment by licensed eye care professionals. He also advised commercial drivers and other outdoor workers to undergo routine vision assessments and protect their eyes from excessive ultraviolet exposure.
The Second Quarterly General Meeting of the NOA, Imo State Chapter, marked a significant milestone with the unveiling of the eye health data report and attracted distinguished members of the profession, including Prof. Okechi Amaechi of the Department of Optometry, Abia State University; Prof. G. C. Agu, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Imo State University; Prof. A. U. Megwas and Prof. NC Ikoro of the Department of Optometry, Federal University of Technology, Owerri; and Dr. Irenaeus Nwawume, among other notable stakeholders.
