Accra, Oct. 29, GNA — The Accra Golden Lions Club and Berekuso Ashesi Leo Club, under the Lions Clubs International have organised free eye screening for commercial (Trotro) drivers at Obra Spot, near Kwame Nkrumah Circle, in Accra, on Thursday.
The exercise was in collaboration with the Ghana Private Road Transport Unit (GPRTU) Obra Spot Branch and the Madina Polyclinic Eye Unit, Kekele, aimed at improving the sight of the drivers to reduce road crashes.
Ms Nana Ama Serwah Mensah, Committee Chair of the Accra Golden Lions Club said the exercise was one of their monthly activities for the benefit of communities in Ghana.
She said based on Community Needs Assessment, drivers and conductors at the Obra station, were targeted for the exercise.
Ms Mensah said beneficiaries with severe eye related issues have been referred to eye clinics or specialists for further treatment, while others were given spectacles at discounted prices.
Mr Kodua Edjekumhene, Past District Global Service Team (GST) Coordinator, said cursory observation indicated that “The drivers strain their eyes whilst driving, and do not know their eye-sight were deteriorating,” hence, the exercise to correct the defects.
Mr Edjekumhene said similar exercises organised by the Club at other places had revealed that some drivers were partially blind, therefore, it had become necessary for drivers to have regular eye checks.
Ms Bernice Barnieh, an Ophthalmic Nurse, from the Madina Polyclinic, Kekele, said some drivers were not supposed to drive because they had serious eye defects.
‘‘Five of the drivers need surgery so I have referred them to the Ridge Hospital for that. They don’t have to be driving.’’
She urged all drivers to visit eye clinics once a year, to treat underlying illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension because they could cause various eye defects.
Mr Jones Annoh, Welfare Chairman of the GPRTU, Obra Spot Trotro Station, lauded the Club for the exercise, saying “I could not see clearly but I have been screened and given spectacle and I see better now.’’
GNA