Funsi, Upper West Region – Dr Godfred Seidu Jasaw, the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Wa East Constituency, has commended Bliss Eye Care, a private eye clinic in Wa, for its commendable efforts in providing free eye screening exercises to the residents of the Wa East District.
During a recent interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Funsi, where Bliss Eye Care organized a free eye screening exercise, Dr Jasaw emphasized the significance of access to eye care services in the region.
He praised the clinic's initiative, stating that it would allow people to undergo regular eye checkups and receive free care if any condition is detected.
“The eye is one of the most critical organs of the human body. Sometimes when you are not careful and conscious about regular checkups, problems such as cataracts or glaucoma may develop, and you may not know it until you've lost your sight. I hope that this free screening will contribute to ensuring that the eyesight of the people in the district is enhanced,” explained Dr Jasaw.
Bliss Eye Care organized the eye screening exercise as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative called “Blissful Sight for Kids (BS4Ks),” with a special focus on children. The clinic has been actively involved in organizing free eye screenings for people in the Upper West Region and beyond.
Dr. Zakarea Al-Hassan Balure, the Manager of Bliss Eye Care, encouraged people to take their eye care seriously by undergoing regular checkups. He stressed the importance of taking advantage of free eye screening exercises, considering that access to eye care services could be challenging.
“Don't wait until you have an eye problem and when your vision is blurring before you come to check. Do it regularly,” admonished Dr. Balure.
Miss Nuela Wiyaala, an Afro-Pop Singer from Funsi, partnered with Bliss Eye Care to organize the screening. She lauded the initiative, pointing out the scarcity of eye screening services in the area and the financial barriers associated with accessing such services.
“It's a big opportunity and joy for us in the Sissala areas as lots of us might have problems but we might not even know,” expressed Miss Wiyaala.
During the screening at Funsi, a total of 263 people underwent examination, with 45 having normal eyes, 165 having pathological issues, 36 having refractive errors, and 17 having cataracts and glaucoma.
Medications were provided to those in need, eyeglasses were distributed for free, and referrals were made for those requiring further attention.
Charles Lunaga Salidong, a teacher and beneficiary of the screening, expressed gratitude to Bliss Eye Care for the intervention. He received a reading aid after the screening at no cost.