Ho, Aug. 25, GNA - The Women's Wing of the Volta Regional branch of the Ghana Blind Union (GBU), on Wednesday bemoaned the absence of an optometrist at the Volta Regional Hospital.

The group contended that the absence of the specialist was increasing blindness in the region.

The women expressed these concerns at a day's sensitization workshop organized for them at the instance of the Department of Women with support from the Women's Wing of Danish Association of the Blind.

The workshop was on the theme: "Role and support for women groups for better socio-economic development of women with visual impairment".

Ms Vivian Nartey, Volta Regional Coordinator of the GBU, Women's Wing, observed that the absence of an optometrist at the hospital has resulted in minor eye problems developing into blindness because people could not seek early treatment.

She said that the Regional Hospital has facilities for treatment of eye defects and wondered why there was no specialist there and appealed to the Ghana Health Service to post eye specialists to the hospital.

Ms Nartey advised the people to undertake regular eye screening for early detection and treatment of any eye defects.

She advised members of the Union to be industrious to be able to take care of themselves and their families.

Madam Lena Alai, Volta Regional Director of Department of Women, urged disabled women not to belittle themselves but to present themselves for the forthcoming district assembly elections.

She said this would enable them to better advocate their rights and help alleviate poverty.

Mr Japhet Buamah from the Ho Municipal Education Office, asked churches and other religious bodies to support people living with disabilities.