The Nigerian Optometric Association has called on the Federal Government to deploy optometrists across all 774 local government areas to combat the rising cases of glaucoma.
President of the association, Chimeziri Anderson, made this appeal during a press conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, as part of activities marking World Glaucoma Week themed “Uniting for a Glaucoma-Free World.”
Anderson highlighted that glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in Nigeria, with a prevalence rate between 4.6% and 5.02%. Alarmingly, 94% of cases go undiagnosed and untreated until significant vision loss occurs. He stressed the need for increased awareness, early detection, and collaboration between optometrists and ophthalmologists to address the situation.
He also urged the government to grant waivers for the importation of pharmaceutical products and lenses to reduce the cost of medical equipment and drugs for glaucoma and other diseases.
The Chairman of the National Eye Health Committee, Afekhide Omoti, emphasized the importance of regular eye check-ups, especially for individuals above 40, revealing that eight out of every 100 Nigerians in this age group have glaucoma, with most unaware of their condition.
Omoti commended optometrists for using the awareness week to educate the public and urged Nigerians to prioritize eye health.
