As Grand Kru Authorities Step Up Efforts To Curb Preventable Blindness By Strengthens Eye Health Planning
PHOTO: Partial view of the planning meeting
By Emmanuel Koffa
Experts say people age 50 and above have higher risk of contracting cataracts and glaucoma
BARCLAYVILLE, Liberia — Public health authorities in the southeastern Grand Kru County have intensified efforts to curb preventable blindness, with the support of the international NGO, Sightsavers.
The County’s Health Team through its Eye Health Department in collaboration with Sightsavers has held a three-day District Eye Health Planning Meeting aimed at strengthening population-wide eye care services.
The planning meeting, which was conducted recently here at the Barclayville City Hall, is focused on reducing the public health burden of avoidable vision loss by improving access to prevention, early detection, and treatment services across the county.
Speaking during the opening session, Sightsavers Program Manager Emmanuel Kanneh described eye health as a critical but often overlooked public health issue.
> “Vision loss is not just a medical concern; it is a major public health challenge that affects productivity, education, and economic stability within communities,” Mr. Kanneh said.
He noted that preventable eye conditions continue to place pressure on families and the local health system, particularly among older populations.
“When people lose their sight unnecessarily, it limits their ability to work, learn, and live independently, which ultimately affects community development,” he explained.
Age 50 and above have higher risk of contracting cataracts and glaucoma
Mr. Kanneh highlighted cataracts and glaucoma as leading causes of vision impairment in the county, stressing that the risk of eye damage increases significantly from the age of 50 and above.
“Cataracts and glaucoma remain among the most common causes of vision loss, but early detection and timely treatment can prevent many people from going blind,” he emphasized.
According to him, the planning meeting is designed to strengthen the county’s eye health delivery system by integrating eye care into broader public health strategies.
> “By planning together with local authorities and communities, we are working to ensure that eye health becomes an essential part of primary health care services,” Mr. Kanneh said.
He further called for strong collaboration between health workers, community leaders, and civil society to promote preventive eye care and early health-seeking behavior.
“Preventing blindness requires collective action—from community awareness to timely referral and treatment,” he stated.
Mr. Kanneh stressed that improving eye health outcomes would have long-term benefits for public health and socio-economic development in Grand Kru County.
“An eye-healthy population is a productive population. When we protect vision, we reduce health costs, improve quality of life, and strengthen community resilience,” he concluded.