The Nigerian Optometric Association has called on the Federal Government to employ optometrists in all 774 local government areas of the country to help address the increasing cases of glaucoma.
The association also urged the government to grant waivers to importers of pharmaceutical products, including lenses, to reduce the cost of medical equipment and drugs for certain diseases.
The President of the association, Chimeziri Anderson, made this appeal during a press conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday.
The event was part of activities to mark World Glaucoma Week with the theme “Uniting for a Glaucoma-Free World.”
Anderson expressed concern over the high prevalence of glaucoma in Nigeria, noting that it is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the country, with a prevalence rate between 4.6% and 5.02%.
He stressed the need for increased awareness and early detection to combat the alarming situation, revealing that most cases go undiagnosed until patients experience significant vision loss.
“In Nigeria, glaucoma stands as a primary cause of irreversible visual impairment, with a prevalence ranging between 4.6% and 5.02%. The incidence of glaucoma-induced blindness is documented at 0.7%.
“Alarmingly, 94% of glaucoma cases in Nigeria remain undiagnosed and untreated, often prompting patients to seek medical attention only after experiencing visual impairment.
“We urge the Federal Government to engage the services of optometrists in the 774 LGAs of the country to address the rising prevalence of the disease,” Anderson stated.
He also called for collaboration between optometrists and ophthalmologists to tackle the disease effectively.
“I urge each one of us to reflect on the impact we can individually exert within our state chapters, districts, and communities and unite during the glaucoma awareness week to effectuate the necessary change,” he added.
The Chairman of the National Eye Health Committee, Afekhide Omoti, also spoke at the event, advising Nigerians to visit optometrists regularly to prevent blindness.
He revealed that “eight out of 100 Nigerians from the age of 40 years have glaucoma. Nine out of every 10 glaucoma patients do not know they have the disease, while out of five patients, some come to the hospital already blind.”
Omoti commended optometrists for using the awareness week to educate the public about glaucoma.
“Nigerians are encouraged to see their doctors for eye check-ups, especially those who are above forty years,” he advised.
