Optometrists decry alarming prevalence of glaucoma, calls for urgent attention
Jethro Yerga, Jalingo
The Nigeria Optometric Association, Taraba State chapter, has decried the alarming rate of glaucoma prevalence among Nigerians and called on governments at all levels, to take proactive steps towards addressing the silent thief of Sight.
Dr Grace Ahams-Akor, the chairperson, Nigeria Optometric Association (NOA), Taraba State chapter, made the call at the occasion of the free screening of patients for glaucoma in Jalingo, which formed part of the week-long series of activities commemorating the 2025 World Glaucoma Week in the state
The optometrist noted that recent findings held that nine in ten persons work about ignorantly with glaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible blindness
She urged Nigerians to stay away from seeking traditional remedy by applying herbs and unimaginable substances into their eyes whenever they had an eye challenge but to visit the eye clinic for check up of their eyes at least once in a year, emphasizing that early detection of glaucoma, was key to preserving their sight.
“The leading cause of irreversible blindness is glaucoma. Recent findings revealed that nine in ten persons are unaware of the presence of glaucoma. This is because, the silent disease mostly presents with no symptoms. So people go about their normal business while the disease progresses
“As part of activities marking the 2025 glaucoma day, out association, NOA, embarked on awareness creation and screening of persons to identify those with glaucoma and we are surprised that the prevalence of the disease is alarming”. She said.
While calling on the government at all levels to take proactive steps towards curbing the prevalence of glaucoma in the country, Dr Mrs Grace Ahams-Akor, lamented that “here in Taraba State, there are only three State employed optometrists which is a very low figure and grossly inadequate to meet the population need in addressing eye care”
She said there was every need for more Eye care professionals at Primary Health Care Centers PHCC across the state so that eye care is integrated into primary health care and made directly accessible to the people
This is not good enough. They are grossly inadequate. There is need for more Eye care professionals at our Primary Health Care Centers PHC across the state so that they will have direct contact with patient at ward level, where they can easily run to check their eyes
“We at NOA, Taraba State chapter are ready to partner with the government to get professionals who are ready and willing to come to Taraba even to stay in the villages and help our people if the state government is also ready and willing”. He said
Dr Grace commended members of NOA, the Managing Director, Nobis Eye Care, Dr Avar and the management of Fixing Pharmaceutical company, for their various sacrifices towards supporting eye care services in Taraba State
Collaborating the views of Dr Grace, the Secretary, NOA, Taraba State Chapter, Dr Mr Angela Oleka, urged the government to esterblish sustainable eye care centers, activate eye care departments at general hospitals across the state and get optometrists to take charge of the areas to prevent the alarming prevalence of glaucoma destructions
Meanwhile, in Taraba State, the 2025 World Glaucoma Week witnessed series of activities including road walk, creation of awareness through various media houses free eyes screening and free counseling among other activities aimed at tackling glaucoma because of its complications and the cost of blindness//.
Optometrists decry alarming prevalence of glaucoma, calls for urgent attention
Jethro Yerga, Jalingo
The theme this year which states Uniting together for a Glaucoma free World – see the future clearly could not have been more apt in her opinion.
“We at NOA, Taraba State chapter are ready to partner with the government to help secure the services of professionals who are ready and willing to come to Taraba even to stay in the villages and help our people if the State Government is willing”.
Dr Grace commended members of NOA, Taraba State; the Managing Director, Nobis Eye Care, Dr Avar and the management of Fidson Pharmaceutical, for their various sacrifices towards supporting eye care services in Taraba State.
Corroborating the views of Dr Grace, the Secretary, NOA, Taraba State Chapter, Dr. (Mrs) Angela Oleka, urged the government to establish sustainable eye care centers, activate eye care units at general hospitals across the state and get optometrists to take charge of these areas to prevent the alarming prevalence of glaucoma and other preventable causes of visual impairment.
Meanwhile, in Taraba State, the 2025 World Glaucoma Week witnessed a series of activities including road walk, awareness creation through various media houses and free eye screening aimed at tackling glaucoma ignorance because of its complications and the cost of blindness.
