Accra, April 5, GNA- The Ghana Optometry Association on Tuesday called on the general public to desist from the traditional practice of applying herbs on the human eye.

Doctor Darko, president, said the eye is a very delicate part of the body and must be treasured.

He said although individuals are of the intent to cure the eye, they rather end up causing damage to the eye, which if care is not taken, may be impossible to correct.

He said the practice may result in vision problems such as glaucoma, which he described as a "slow killer" because it took long to be discovered if medical advice was not sought early.

He advised Ghanaians to make it a habit to visit the optician at least every six months and twice in a year for eye check-ups to ensure that the eye is in a good condition.

Dr Darko said this when an eight-member delegation called on the Ga Traditional Council at the Ga Mantse's Palace.

About 100 delegates are expected to arrive in the country for this year's WCO general meeting from April 6 to 9, 2005.

The Ghana Optometrist Association and the African Council of Optometry (AFCO) will host the meeting, which is being sponsored by Essilor International

He said the WCO, in a national programme would collaborate with the Ghana Optometrist Association, the Kwame Nkruma University of Science and Technology (KNUST), University of Cape Coast to help Ghana's disadvantaged youth.

He said the campaign would tap the current infrastructure of hospitals, community clinics and schools in the urban and rural areas, including Accra, Kumasi, Cape Coast, Hohoe, Wa, Yendi, to restore the sight of thousands of children yearning for clear vision to give them a better future.

Professor Daknan Danjuma Decent Sheni, president of the World Council of Optometry and the first black to serve on the Council said the mission of the WCO is to facilitate the enhancement and development of the eye and vision care worldwide.

He said WCO, consists of 84 members from 42 countries and serves as an international mouthpiece for optometry.

He said the visit was to show appreciation and inform the council of a vision care campaign, which will provide sunglasses to children between the ages of five and fifteen.

Professor Sheni, who presented documents on WCO to the council for the archives of the Ga Mantse's Palace explained that the focus of the programme is to enhance the prevention of blindness in Ghana and the world.

He said Ghana was selected for this year's general meeting because of its strategic importance in Africa as it has just concluded a peaceful civilian to civilian election.

Receiving the presentation Nii Adote Osour II, Acting President of the Ga Traditional Council acknowledged the fact that the eye was very delicate and must be protected.

He commended WCO of their efforts and thanked them for selecting Ghana and Accra.