By Rebecca Ashitey Amarh
Tema, Oct. 14, GNA – The Tema Executive Lions Club, in partnership with Van-J Eye Care, has screened 148 residents of Tema Manhean and distributed 106 pairs of eyeglasses free of charge to beneficiaries with vision difficulties.
The exercise, held at the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, formed part of the club’s corporate social responsibility activities and its annual vision campaign observed in October with support from Lions Clubs International.
Mr Daniel Kofi Asante, President of the Tema Executive Lions Club, told the Ghana News Agency that Lions Clubs International had provided 32,000 medicated eyeglasses for distribution to people in need, of which the Tema Executive Lions Club received 250 pairs.
He said individuals who required specialised eye treatment were referred to appropriate medical facilities for further assessment and possible surgery.
Mr Asante said the club had also supported 10 elderly women by purchasing prescribed medication for them following consultations with medical professionals.
Dr Michael Kyei, Outreach Optometrist at Van-J Eye Care, underscored the importance of regular eye examinations, noting that routine checks could help detect eye conditions before they became severe.
He said eye examinations could also reveal signs of underlying health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol, which might require further medical attention.
“Sometimes, there are signs in the eyes that can alert us to these medical conditions. Regular eye examinations can therefore help identify potential health problems that may require further medical attention,” he explained.
Dr Kyei added that routine eye checks were equally important for people who already wore glasses, as they helped determine whether prescription lenses needed updating.
Some beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the Tema Executive Lions Club and Van-J Eye Care for the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that demonstrated concern for residents’ health and well-being.
They noted that good eyesight was essential for carrying out daily activities and that vision problems could significantly affect a person’s quality of life.
“Our sight helps us navigate our lives and carry out our day-to-day activities. If we have problems with our eyes, our lives can be affected. This initiative is a good one for us,” a beneficiary said.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Rebecca Ashitey Amarh