IMO OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES “VISION FOR SAFETY” CAMPAIGN IN COMMEMORATION OF 2025 WORLD SIGHT WEEK

By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
9- OCT- 2025

In a concerted effort to curb road mishaps through enhanced eye health awareness, the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA), Imo State Chapter, has officially launched its 2025 World Sight Week campaign tagged “Vision for Safety.” The flag-off ceremony took place during a media briefing held at the Gold Crown Hotel, Owerri, on October 8, 2025.

The global theme for this year’s observance, “Love Your Eyes,” has been domesticated by the Imo chapter as “Road Safety Through Vision Care for Drivers,” highlighting the indispensable connection between good eyesight and safe driving.

Speaking at the event, the State Chairman of NOA, Dr. Patrick Iwuchukwu, represented by his Vice Chairman, Dr. (Mrs.) Joyce Iroakazi, explained that the campaign is designed to address the growing concern of vision-related road accidents. She lamented that a significant number of commercial drivers suffer undiagnosed eye conditions that impair their ability to drive safely, resulting in preventable crashes, injuries, and fatalities.

According to Dr. Iroakazi, the week-long awareness program will include free eye screenings for drivers and commuters in strategic locations across the state. The exercise, which is being organized in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), will hold on Friday, October 10, at Ihiagwa Park, Owerri Zone; and on Saturday, October 11, at Anara Park, Okigwe Zone, and Divine Branch, Banana Junction, Orlu Zone.

Beyond screenings, the initiative will feature advocacy visits, public enlightenment programs, and referrals for further medical care. She noted that data generated from the exercise will aid policymakers in designing sustainable strategies for integrating vision care into public safety frameworks.

Dr. Iroakazi further explained that the program aligns with the association’s signature health outreach, “Anya Ndi Imo Di Nma” (Imo Eyes Are Healthy), which supports Governor Hope Uzodimma’s 3R Mantra of Recovery, Reconstruction, and Rehabilitation. She commended the Governor’s ongoing healthcare reforms, particularly the Imo Care Health Insurance Scheme, describing it as one of the most people-oriented health policies in Nigeria.

She urged relevant agencies, corporate bodies, and well-meaning individuals to support the campaign, stressing that eye health is a key component of safety and national productivity. In her words, “Sight is next only to life itself; protecting it should be a shared commitment for all.”

In his goodwill message, the Imo State Chairman of NURTW, Comrade Jeff Eze, represented by the Chairman of Owerri Relief Park, Comrade Paddy Obinna Jnr, expressed the union’s appreciation to NOA for initiating a campaign that directly impacts drivers. He pledged NURTW’s continuous collaboration with NOA to ensure that the message of vision safety reaches every member across the state.

The event also featured remarks from key partners and dignitaries, including the FRSC Imo Sector Commander, Emea Udensi Orji, represented by CRC Agu O. Agu; Dr. (Mrs.) Munachi Abiazie, State Secretary of NOA; Dr. (Mrs.) Chinenye Ibeh, Chairman of the Event Planning Committee; and Comrade Kelechi Anyanwuocha, Head of Media, NURTW.

The “Vision for Safety” campaign is expected to extend its impact beyond the 2025 World Sight Week, creating lasting awareness on the vital role of clear vision in road safety, public health, and societal well-being.