Hohoe, Sept. 14, GNA - A 150-million-cedi state-of-the-art Sir John Wilson Vision Optical Centre formerly known as Sight Savers has been inaugurated at Hohoe-Zongo.

The refurbished optical centre now has an auto-refractometer, automatic-patternless edger, digital lensometer and a stand-by power generator.

Dr Kobla Awadzi, Director of Onchocerciasis Chemotherapeutic Research Centre, Hohoe, in a speech read for him, warned the public to refrain from applying herbal concoction to sooth eye-related disorders, which could cause irreparable damage to the eye, leading to total blindness. He called on the public to report on their eye problems promptly, and visit a health facility regularly for screening at least once a year for the early detection and control of eye defects. Dr Awadzi said the area was noted for high incidences of cataracts and glaucoma cases which would lead to blindness but could be cured through surgery, when reported early.

He said adequate nutrition, good rest and exercises nourished and invigorated the eyes and appealed to the public to lead healthy lifestyles.

Dr James Anewema, Country Director of Sight Savers International, commended collaborating partners for their vision and foresight for the project and called for continued sustenance even after being autonomous in their operations.

Right Reverend Dr Livingstone Buama, Moderator of Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana, who dedicated the Centre, said the Church would continue to partner private sector-led initiatives to offer healthcare delivery including eye-care to the people. He said status of the newly refurbished Centre could be equated to any first class optical outlets in the country and urged the people to patronize it since the facility was people-centred.

Mr Mohammed Kamil, Centre Manager said in 2005, the Centre provided 1,573 pairs of spectacle lenses to most of the 2,722 patients examined and this boosted its aim of providing optical and refractive services to the middle and northern parts of the Volta region. He called on its clientele to patronize the facility for quality and affordable service delivery.