Basic School pupils in Nandom in the Upper West Region rushed to take advantage of the free eye screening and treatment exercise organised by Bliss Eye Care; a private eye care clinic in Wa.

Most of the students who spoke to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Nandom complained of various eye problems but expressed hope that the free eye screening and treatment exercise would help them overcome their sight problems.

Paulinus Nimiedem, a form three student of St. Maria Goretti Junior High School (JHS) said he got itchy eyes and could not see the writings on the board clearly; a situation he admitted was impacting negatively on his academic work.

Seidu Nimatu, also a form two student of St. Maria Goretti JHS said she could not see writings on the board in class, adding that “Even when I come to the front I can only see clearly for a period of time.”

Amanda Bayor, a form two student of Naa Imoru JHS in Nandom said she copied wrong notes as a result of her poor sight while Rita Kyella, a form one student of St. Maria Goretti JHS also complained that tears usually flowed from her eyes any time she was reading her books.

Dr Zakarea Alhassan Balure, Manager of Bliss Eye Care facility explained that the gesture was part of the implementation of the Blissful Sight for Kids (BS4Ks) project which is been sponsored by Roland Studer and his organisation PRO VISUS.

Dr. Balure who is an Optometrist said the project, aimed at helping basic school students to overcome their visual challenges and boost academic capacity was intended to cover all 11 districts in the Region.

He said the project which had already been carried out in Jirapa, Nadowli and Wa West Districts had already started recording very wonderful successes. “It gladdens my heart when I see or hear the impact we are making through the project and I want to say thank you to my partners and sponsors”, the Manager of Bliss Eye Care said.

Naa Dr. Puoure Puobe Chiir VII, the Paramount Chief of the Nandom Traditional Area said Nandom and its environs was prone to various eye diseases because of its proximity to the Black Volta River and commended Bliss Eye Care for the wonderful gesture.

Naa Chiir, who is also the President of the Nandom Traditional Council noted that the importance of the eye could not be underestimated and appealed to the youth to make regular eye check-ups in order to protect their eyes against future blindness.