Cultural Myths Are Blinding Children — Optometrist Issues Urgent Warning!
Parents are being advised by Dr. Zakaria Al-Hassan Baluri, a prominent optometrist in the Upper West Region, to cease the use of breast milk as a treatment for eye infections in children. The often used therapy, according to Baluri, is detrimental, medically inefficient, and does not possess any antibacterial characteristics. On November 24, 2025, he delivered a speech following a tour of the new Bliss Eye Care facility in Wa. During this speech, he disclosed that the clinic continues to receive children with serious complications that have been caused by this practice. He claims that this practice is rooted in cultural beliefs and misinformation and that it frequently delays proper medical treatment, resulting in infections that are becoming more severe and sometimes irreversible damage. Dr. Baluri encouraged parents to get their children expert care as soon as possible if they were experiencing symptoms such as redness, discharge, itching, or trouble seeing. The doctor emphasized the need of early detection and treatment owing to the sensitive nature of the eyes. In addition, he urged that there be more concerted efforts to educate the community and launch awareness programs in order to refute false assumptions on eye care and save children from avoidable disorders that endanger their eyesight.
