Osun state has launched an eye care initiative called ‘Imole School Eye Health Programme’ which seeks to provide free eye treatment for over 42,000 public school pupils.
The programme aims to screen all 345,000 pupils in the state’s public primary and secondary schools.
The Osun Health Insurance Agency (OSHIA) is overseeing the programme, which includes free eye screenings, distribution of corrective glasses, medication, and surgeries for severe cases.
The initiative commenced simultaneously across six zones: Osogbo, Ede, Ikirun, Ilesa, Iwo, and Ila.
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Rasaq Akindele, OSHIA’s executive secretary, expressed surprise at the high number of affected pupils, which exceeded the initial estimate of 25,000.
He restated the government’s commitment to providing necessary care, highlighting the programme’s impact on children’s education and well-being.
During monitoring in Osogbo, the state capital, Akindele commended parents for their cooperation and expressed satisfaction over the exercise’s progress.
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He noted that many vision problems were previously undetected, affecting pupils and teachers.
The programme’s success will determine future steps on eye health support for Osun students.
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