Optometric Association Urges Akwa Ibom Residents To Undergo Regular Glaucoma Screening

FRIDAY March 14, 2025 |TheNewsDESK

The Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) has described glaucoma as the “silent thief of sight” and a leading cause of irreversible visual impairment in Nigeria. The association has urged residents of Akwa Ibom State to prioritize regular eye screenings for early detection and treatment.

Speaking during a press conference on Friday, as part of activities marking the 2025 World Optometry Week, NOA President Dr. Chimeziri Anderson revealed that 94% of glaucoma cases in Nigeria remain undiagnosed or untreated. The event, themed “Uniting for a Glaucoma-Free World: Seeing the Future Clearly,” emphasized the urgent need for increased awareness and access to eye care services.

Dr. Anderson called for collaboration between the federal and state governments, as well as eye care providers, to improve the availability, affordability, and accessibility of glaucoma screening and treatment.

“Services may be available, but many people simply cannot afford them. Sometimes, patients visit the hospital and are asked to return in two or three months before they can see a specialist. By that time, their condition may have worsened and become irreversible,” he lamented.

He further emphasized the need for more optometrists in healthcare facilities, stating:

“Imagine a doctor attending to 50 patients in a day—there’s no way they can give adequate attention to each case. But with 5 or 10 patients, the diagnosis will be more thorough, leading to better outcomes.

“In Nigeria, glaucoma is a major cause of irreversible blindness, with a prevalence rate between 4.6% and 5.02%. The incidence of glaucoma-induced blindness is documented at 0.7%. Alarmingly, 94% of cases remain undiagnosed or untreated, and many patients seek medical attention only after experiencing severe vision loss.”

The NOA president urged the government and policymakers to ensure that every local government area has at least one optometrist through the Primary Health Center Development Agency. He also called for increased optometrist representation in the Federal Ministry of Health’s visual health programs.

Also speaking at the event, Professor Ernest Omoti, Chairman of the National Eye Health Committee, highlighted alarming statistics from Nigerian studies:

8 out of every 100 Nigerians over 40 years old have glaucoma.

9 out of 10 people with glaucoma are unaware they have the disease.

5 out of 10 patients arrive at the hospital already blind in one eye.

2 out of 10 seek medical attention for the first time when they are completely blind in both eyes.

Prof. Omoti stressed the importance of early detection and treatment, stating:

“This is why, every year during this week, we take time to educate the public and encourage people to visit eye doctors. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent irreversible blindness.”

He commended the Nigerian Optometric Association for its efforts in raising awareness and advocating for improved eye care policies in Nigeria.