Strengthen free consultations and screening for vision problems among diabetics

---

Extract from the article: True to their commitment to work for the well-being of people, the NGO Volontaires Internationaux pour la Santé en Afrique (VISA), the Lions Club of region 32, and ONG Lumière Divine held ophthalmological consultations and screening sessions for diab

---

True to their commitment to work for the well-being of people, the NGO Volontaires Internationaux pour la Santé en Afrique (VISA), the Lions Club of region 32, and ONG Lumière Divine held ophthalmological consultations and screening sessions for diabetes and high blood pressure on Saturday 01 February 2025, especially for diabetics. These operations were coupled with an awareness-raising session on the prevention of diabetes-related complications and good eating habits. Under the theme Diabetes and sight’, the fair initiative aims to draw the population's attention to the importance of eye care and to give it priority.

Young people, elderly adults, diabetic patients received ophthalmological consultations for diabetic retinopathy, screening for visual problems, blood sugar tests and blood pressure readings. They were also given information on preventing diabetes-related complications, hygiene and dietary habits.

«Most diabetics eventually go blind. We have raised patients' awareness of diabetic retinopathy.Diabetics need to take good care of their eyes and go for regular check-ups to examine their eyes.It's important for us to have our eyes checked at least twice a year. Our hope is that the public will understand the importance of seeking early medical advice.», said Dr Damien Ekoué-Kouvahey, Director of the NGO VISA, who was very pleased with the response.

Diabetes is a silent disease.

If not detected in time, it can lead to serious complications, including diabetic retinopathy, which can cause sight loss.Diabetic retinopathy is a disease of the retina. The retina is the mirror of the eye.Diabetic patients should always be reminded of the importance of a dilated fundus examination.

During screening, a number of vision problems and cataracts were detected in diabetics. All those screened will be monitored by the NGO Lumière Divine for several months. Around 80% of vision problems can be prevented or cured. The first step in prevention is raising awareness. The second is early diagnosis through screening. This makes it possible to identify people at risk of visual impairment. Lions Clubs International therefore works in partnership with health professionals and community leaders to screen young children, schoolchildren and adults. 

Educating patients about diabetes prevention

After physical activity sessions and a consultation, patients were given useful advice on how to prevent diabetes-related complications and on lifestyle and nutrition. Dr Damien Ekoue-Kouvahey led the awareness-raising sessions.The specialist told patients about the importance of eating less sugar, salt and fat.

 According to Dr Ekoué Kouvahey, «when it comes to diabetes, the key word is sugar. It's important for us today to reduce sugar consumption.To keep your eyes in good shape, you need to drink a lot, and the best drink is water.It's important to be physically active.The minimum is 30 minutes of brisk walking a day or an hour of slow walking.We need to review our diet.We eat too much sugar, too much salt and too much fat.We need to cut down on canned food and eat lots of vegetables and fruit». A healthy diet can help us live with the disease without complications and in good health. Above all, we need to make our children and future generations aware of the importance of eating less sugar, salt and fat»

Dr Damien Ekoué-Kouvahey also advised diabetics to have a small market garden at home to grow their own vegetables, including adémè, gboma, tomatoes and lettuce. This small garden will not only enable them to eat organic food but also to have a lifestyle. 

William O.