The Abia State government has announced free eye tests for all citizens to detect glaucoma, a leading cause of preventable but irreversible blindness. The state-wide initiative, scheduled to take place from March 12 to 14, 2025, will be conducted across seven local government areas in various government hospitals equipped with modern eye testing facilities installed by Governor Alex Otti’s administration.
Dr. Betty Emeka-Obasi, Administrator of the Abia State Eye Health Management Bureau, disclosed this on Thursday in Umuahia during the flag-off of World Glaucoma Awareness Week 2025. Describing glaucoma as a “silent thief of vision,” Dr. Emeka-Obasi explained that the disease damages the optic nerves and often progresses without symptoms until significant vision loss occurs.
She revealed that out of 10,251 eye cases recorded at the Abia State Specialist Hospital in Umuahia, 2,949 people were diagnosed with glaucoma, with 70% unaware of their condition. Data from the Abia State Diagnostic Hospital Eye Centre also showed that an average of 50 confirmed glaucoma patients were treated weekly from January to December 2024.
Dr. Emeka-Obasi expressed concern over the prevalence of glaucoma in Abia, the South East region, and Nigeria at large. She lamented that many patients only discover their condition at advanced stages, often after resorting to ineffective herbal treatments.
“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, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, wife of the Abia State Governor, represented by Mrs. Adaeze Emetu, wife of the Deputy Governor, reiterated the state government’s commitment to providing quality eye care and leading a state-wide campaign against glaucoma.
DAILY MENTOR reports that the initiative aims to raise awareness about glaucoma and encourage early detection and treatment, ultimately reducing the burden of preventable blindness in the state. The free eye tests are part of broader efforts by the Abia State government to improve healthcare access and outcomes for its citizens.