VisionSpring in partnership with Nike Art Gallery has underscored the role of eye care in enhancing artists’ works, promoting longevity and improving income potentials.
Speaking at a free eye screening event, the Country Manager, Nigeria, VisionSpring, Mrs. Abimbola Ogundirahun, said that the eyes are an important tool for artist to carry out their craft, so they need to pay attention to that body part.
She said the eyes are also relevant to pass down the craft to generations and for art lovers to appreciate it. She noted that a lot of the chemicals used by the artists while crafting their works can negatively affect their sight.
“The eye is the entrance into the body, and everything we get to do is connected to our eyes, and for artists to carry out their art, they need their eyes. Art lovers need to also be able to appreciate art, to move it from generation to generation. Another important thing is the preservation of the art culture, because a lot of the older artist are loosing their sight or they are developing eye problems, so they are not able to pass on this culture to the younger generation,” she said.
She said the event was about creating awareness on the importance eye-care, because early detection can prevent heavier eye defect conditions like blindness and increase productivity.
Founder, Nike Art Gallery, Nike Davies-Okundaye, said without their vision, artists would be unable to create art, adding that a lot of senior colleagues have lost their sight.
“I think it’s good for everyone to get their eyes check even for a small child because they never know when the eyes will go bad. Some people have glaucoma because they do not check their eye, but it is important if you can get more support from the government to bring this type of company to Nigeria especially for those that cannot afford it,” she said. At the programme, 50 artists got free eye screening while eye glasses were also given based on participant’s peculiarities.