Nigerians aged 40 and older are being urged to prioritize regular eye examinations and seek treatment from qualified ophthalmologists upon diagnosis of eye disorders, as part of efforts to combat blindness in the country.
Dr. Fatima Kyari, Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and Chair of the Glaucoma Society of Nigeria, emphasized the importance of frequent eye tests in detecting glaucoma early and preventing vision loss. Speaking at the 2nd Advanced Glaucoma Surgery course and Nurses Glaucoma training course held at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada, Dr. Kyari described glaucoma as the ‘Silent Thief of Sight’.
The courses, funded by the Tropical Health Education Trust (THET), aim to enhance the surgical skills of ophthalmic surgeons, ensuring greater confidence, proficiency, and improved patient safety. Additionally, the nurses’ training focuses on enhancing skills in performing specialized glaucoma tests such as intraocular pressure measurement, visual field assessment, and optical coherence tomography (OCT).
Dr. Kyari highlighted recent efforts in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to develop the Nigeria Glaucoma Guideline & Toolkit, emphasizing public health interventions, advocacy, and awareness campaigns aimed at enhancing glaucoma care nationwide.
These initiatives underscore a concerted effort to combat the impact of glaucoma and promote proactive eye care practices among Nigerians, particularly those at higher risk due to age-related factors.
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