The Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, has called for early detection and proper referral of vision problems among school children to improve learning outcomes.
Nwagor made the call on Thursday at the inauguration of the School Children Vision Detection and Referral Initiative (SCVDRI) and the Annual Vision Detection Training Day for Teachers (VDTDT) at the NULGE Consulate, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mina Tele Ikuru, the commissioner said undetected vision problems could affect children’s ability to read from the board, follow lessons and participate effectively in classroom activities.
He noted that such challenges could be mistaken for poor academic performance, lack of concentration or indiscipline.
Nwagor said teachers could play an important role in identifying possible vision challenges and facilitating referrals, while stressing that they were not substitutes for qualified eye-care professionals.
He urged parents, teachers, school administrators, health professionals and development partners to support the initiative, describing it as a step towards promoting educational inclusion and better learning outcomes.
Earlier, SCVDRI Executive Director, Dr. Daniel Innocent, said the initiative was established to provide a sustainable system for detecting, referring and supporting children with vision-related challenges.
