No driver should be awarded or have their licence renewed without first proving that their vision is acceptable for safe driving, according to Ngozi Ezeoma, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Abia State.
During Thursday’s World Sight Day ceremony in Umuahia, Ezeoma made the call. The event was hosted by the Abia State Eye Health Management Bureau.
Ezeoma voiced his concern that drivers who disregard their eye health put themselves and their passengers at risk, citing eye illnesses and poor vision as key contributors to traffic crashes in Abia State.
She emphasised the need of licensing personnel maintaining high standards and making sure that drivers with vision impairments get the corrective lenses or further medical treatment before their licenses are renewed.
“The integrity of this assessment must be maintained,” the FRSC commander pleaded with the participating licensing personnel and related authorities.
Aiming to reduce traffic fatalities, Ezeoma applauded the Abia State Government for their decision to open an eye screening center at the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal. Additionally, she cautioned drivers against the dangers of drug and alcohol usage.
Dr. Betty Emeka Obasi, who heads up the state’s eye health management bureau, has previously voiced her alarm over the prevalence of traditional healers posing as eye physicians in various parts of Abia.
According to Obasi, 25 eye screening centers have been set up all over Abia State. Two young patients who had sought therapy from traditional practitioners had lost their sight, she also stated.
Governor Alex Otti, through his deputy Ikechukwu Emetu, emphasised the importance of citizens making their eye health a priority during the unveiling of the eye screening center at the Nnenna Oti Central Bus Terminal.