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{
    "id": 1299579,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1299579/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 41,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Crystal Asige",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Increasingly, more workers are using computers and other digital devices to fulfil their mandates. The use of digital devices has been linked with several eye disorders, making strategies for prudent screen time management imperative. On the other hand, technology is indispensable to persons living with visual impairment and blindness. Speaking from experience, the use of technologies such as screen readers has significantly elevated my experience and the independence I have attained through them. This has been the closest I have come to eyesight itself. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, it should not be an anomaly. Every visually impaired person; whatever the degree of impairment is, deserves the chance to unlock the door to the opportunities that technology can provide. That is the kind of world we should aim to create as Members of this honourable House. However, if the case is preventable and vision loss can be avoided completely, World Sight Day is a call to action for all of us who still have a chance at sight. In the end, impaired vision is a human experience that anyone can suffer from due to age, accident or disease. Fostering an inclusive society is, therefore, a service to our future selves. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, about 90 per cent of all sight loss is preventable or treatable. Only detection will improve this statistic. As such, regular eye check-ups are of utmost importance. Promoting eye health initiatives should be a primary goal for everyone, Parliament included. As we mark this significant day, let us reflect on the far-reaching impacts of vision impairment, extending beyond personal well-being to encompass the safety, productivity, and overall, quality of life for millions of people. I am sure that many in this House can attest to the same, including Sen. Cherarkey recently. We must encourage employers to make eye health initiative a standard practice in their workplace culture. Reflecting on these insights, it is evident that this is a shared responsibility, which needs to be led by Government and the Ministry of Health and reflected in its policy and budgetary plans. The national and county Governments must unite in creating workplaces that prioritize and champion eye health. Access to universal healthcare must also include access to eye care. Last year, while marking this day, I urged fellow Members to take steps toward prioritising their eye health. It would be interesting to note how many were able to attend the screenings provided for here in Parliament and if they are following their prescriptions today. This year, let us take a further step, and through this House, push the Ministry of Health to establish more eye clinics closer to the ground where they are desperately needed so that we can extend screenings to our respective constituents. I also urge Members to promote open dialogue on eye issues and not make this matter a taboo. Where we notice a trend of eye care issues in the family, let us encourage testing and screening to prevent further complications. Since we are all employers in our own capacities too, let us also remember our responsibilities to our employees from the household back at home to your office staff and the driver who brought you here today."
}