From Segun Babatunde in Bauchi
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Bauchi State Council in collaboration with the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH),Bauchi has conducted free eye screening for 350 of it’s members to commemorate the World Sight Day celebration.
The State Chairman of the council, Comrade Umar Sai’du said that the exercise is an opportunity for journalists in the state to check their sights in view of the fact that they are exposed to computers, lap tops, tablets, etc, in performing their duties.
According to him, “Journalists use computers among other gadgets to discharge their duties, as such their sights are exposed to the adverse rays. Without good eyes, journalists cannot perform their primary responsibilities effectively and that is why we conducted this exercise, so that journalists can receive eye treatment in case of any impediment as well as get free glasses that can improve their vision”.
“According to research, out of 10 people that come in contact with computer, four are always diagnose with one eye problem or the other, hence, there is the need for eye screening and treatment” he said
Sai’du commended ATBUTH medical team for partnering with NUJ to conduct the exercise, adding that it will help towards diagnosing and improving the sights of beneficiaries.
The chairman said that the screening entailed free medical services, including screening, provision of eye glasses and medication, adding that those diagnosed with major ailments would be advised and referred to hospital for further treatment.
The leader of the medical team, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar, said the exercise was in commemoration of World Sight Day, aimed at scaling up enlightenment about eye health to the public.
He said that the ATBUTH decided to partner with the NUJ in order to offer free eye services to journalists because of the importance of the media in the society, adding that journalists need to medically fit to carry out their duties effectively.
