By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo
As the global community marks World Sight Day 2025 under the theme “Love Your Eyes,” the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Osun State Directorate, has called on residents to prioritise their eye health and take proactive steps to prevent avoidable vision loss.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the State Director of NOA, Mr. Adebiyi Stephen Adefarasin, expressed concern over the growing number of people living with visual impairments that are either preventable or treatable.
He highlighted common eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, refractive errors, and diabetic retinopathy — many of which often go undetected due to poor awareness and delayed medical intervention.
“Millions of people suffer from visual impairments that could be prevented with timely care,” Mr. Adebiyi noted. “Our eyes are vital to our daily lives, and protecting them should be a personal and collective responsibility.”
The NOA emphasised the importance of public education and early detection in the fight against blindness.
As part of its advocacy for eye health, the agency urged the public to adopt the following practices: undergo regular eye examinations; maintain a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens; use protective eyewear in hazardous work or outdoor environments; reduce screen time and take frequent breaks to rest the eyes; and ensure that children and elderly family members receive routine vision screenings.
The agency stated that promoting good eye health contributes not only to individual well-being but also to national development, as vision loss can hinder productivity, education, and quality of life.
“Let us build a society where no one is left in the dark due to preventable blindness,” the statement concluded.