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Dr. Gladys Fordjour, a Consultant Ophthalmologist at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), has issued an urgent call to parents and guardians to prioritize the eye health of their children to prevent avoidable vision problems. Speaking on the necessity of early intervention, she emphasized that maintaining good eyesight is fundamental to a child’s educational progress and general well-being. According to the specialist, many vision issues that affect learning can be addressed if they are identified early through consistent monitoring and professional care.
A significant concern raised by Dr. Fordjour involves the modern lifestyle habit of prolonged screen time. She warned that the excessive use of smartphones, tablets, and computers by children can lead to digital eye strain and other long-term sight complications. To counteract these effects, she advised parents to strictly monitor device usage and ensure that children have access to proper lighting during their study hours. She noted that reading in poorly lit environments places unnecessary stress on the eyes, which can lead to fatigue and a decline in academic performance.
In addition to home-based precautions, Dr. Fordjour advocated for a more integrated approach involving schools. She suggested that educational institutions should incorporate eye-health awareness into their activities to help students understand the importance of protecting their sight. By promoting regular professional eye examinations and early clinical consultations, she believes that the country can reduce the prevalence of preventable blindness and vision impairment among the youth. Timely intervention remains the most effective strategy for ensuring that every child has the visual clarity needed to succeed in their learning activities.