GCB Bank embarks on eye screening

An optometrist has appealed to the public to undergo regular eye screening in the midst of an increase in glaucoma cases in order to save their sight.

Dr Alfred Gardemor of the Nsawam Government Hospital noted that it is only when people are screened that cases of the disease could be detected and treated.

Dr Gardemor told journalists during an eye screening exercise organised by the Community Uplift, a non-governmental organisation with support from the GCB Bank Limited at Kotobabi in Accra.

The programme, which formed part of the banks social responsibility interventions aims at providing free medications and provision of free spectacles to the public.

Glaucoma described by the World Health Organisation as the second leading cause of blindness is a complicated disease in which damage to the optic nerve leads to progressive, irreversible vision loss.

According to Dr Gardemor early intervention in various eye conditions could save the public their sights adding: “Once you lose your sight, it cannot be regained.”

The optometrist said during the screening exercise, the team identified cataract, high number of allergic conditions among children and refractive errors as some of the problems facing the public.

He therefore urged Ghanaians to also undergo regular medical checkups so that the various ailments of the eyes could be corrected or treated.

He noted that last year, the team catered for more than 600 people, adding that the team is optimistic of providing eye care to more than 1,000 people in the community.

Mr Emmanuel Kojo Kwarteng, Public Relations Officer, GCB Bank Limited noted that taking of the eye is expensive, hence the decision of the bank to lend a hand to the public who may be confronted with eye ailments.

Mr Kwarteng said the yearly exercise would take care of the women, children and the aged in the community.

According to him the bank drew staff from various branches to assist in the four day exercise at the cost of GH? 25,000.00.

Mr Franklin Mensah, Founder of Community Uplift Ghana said the exercise was the third t his outfit had collaborated with the bank to undertake, providing eye drops and glasses to the public.

Mr Francis Amoni, a 72- year- old man who benefited from the screen was grateful to the bank for bringing health to his doorstep.