PACIEH School Eye Health Programs at Last Mile Communities

Poor eyesight has long-term negative impacts on a child’s ability to learn, interact and excel in school. When a child cannot see well, he/she is unable to participate in both curricular and extracurricular activities in school. This makes them doubt themselves and withdraw from relating with their peers and teachers. Children from low socioeconomic groups suffer more from consequences of poor eyesight because their communities are underserved with social services, including eye care. Helping school children learn and excel is an integral part of the work of PACIEH. In 2017, after a review of our interventions on screening pupils for ear, nose and throat infections in schools in rural settings, we saw an unmet need for eye care among school children. Consequently, in 2018, we began our eye health program with special focus on primary school children in “Last Mile” communities. Furthermore, in partnership with the Royal Thai Embassy, we carried out the first screening of primary school children in Enugu State. This was eventually extended to primary school children in Anambra State.

Our Track Record of Improving Sight at Last Mile Schools

Eye Screening Program at Central Primary School Amankwo-Eke Udi LGA, Enugu State
Eye Screening Program Paul Iloghalu Memorial Primary School, Anaocha LGA, Anambra State
Eye Screening Program at Dominic Nursery and Primary School, Anaocha LGA, Anambra State
Eye Screening Program at Community Primary School Oma-Eke, Udi LGA, Enugu State

School Eye Screening Programs Funded by Barrister & Mrs. Onubogu

In 2018, as a result of the advocacy by PACIEH, a trustee, Barrister Onubogu, began sponsoring school eye health in very remote communities. The following eye screening programs were funded by Barrister & Mrs. Onubogu. The Schools and the number of pupils covered under the Eye screening program, all in Anambra State, are as follows:

  1. Central School, Achina – 170
  2. Community Secondary School, Achina – 150
  3. Progressive Primary School, Achina – 73
  4. Christ Model School, Achina – 30
  5. St Joseph Primary School, Ekwulobia – 439
  6. Abomimi Primary School (St Benedict), Enugwu Ukwu – 120

Please click on photos to download reports.

Eye Screening Program at St. Joseph Primary School, Ekwulobia, Aguata LGA, Anambra State
Eye Screening Program at Progressive Primary School, Achina, Aguata LGA, Anambra State
Eye Screening Program at Christ Model School, Achina (CMS), Aguata LGA, Anambra State
Eye Screening Programme at Abomimi Primary School, Enugu-Ukwu, Njikoka LGA, Anambra State