The Abia State government has declared free eye tests for all citizens of the state to determine whether their eyes are free from glaucoma.
The state-wide test, which will be conducted across seven local government areas, is scheduled to take place from 12 to 14 March 2025 in various government hospitals where modern eye testing equipment has been installed by Governor Alex Otti’s administration.
This was disclosed on Thursday in Umuahia by the administrator of the Abia State Eye Health Management Bureau, Dr Betty Emeka-Obasi, during the flag-off of World Glaucoma Awareness Week 2025 in the state.
Describing glaucoma as a “silent thief of vision” and a leading cause of preventable but irreversible blindness, Dr Emeka-Obasi explained that the disease attacks the optic nerves and progresses stealthily, often without symptoms, until significant damage has already been done.
She noted that out of the 10,251 eye cases recorded at Abia State Specialist Hospital in Umuahia, 2,949 people were found to be suffering from glaucoma, while 70 per cent of those diagnosed were unaware of their condition.
Dr Emeka-Obasi stated that the disease has become a prevalent health challenge in Abia, the South East region, and Nigeria at large. Records from the Abia State Diagnostic Hospital Eye Centre indicate that an average of 50 confirmed glaucoma patients were treated weekly from January to December 2024.
She expressed regret that most patients remained unaware of their glaucoma status until it was too late.
“For instance, we have seen cases where patients who resorted to herbal treatments presented with advanced stages of glaucoma, leaving them with little to no chance of restoring their vision. These stories are heartbreaking and underscore the importance of our efforts to provide accessible and affordable care,” she said.
In her address, the wife of the Abia State Governor, Mrs Priscilla Chidinma Otti, represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Adaeze Emetu, said the state government is committed to providing quality eye care for Abians and leading a state-wide campaign against glaucoma.