[PHOTOS] Abia leads fight against preventable blindness at World Glaucoma Week symposium

The Abia State Eye Health Management Bureau (AEHMB) on Thursday marked World Glaucoma Week with a stakeholders’ symposium in Abia State, bringing together health leaders, policymakers and development partners to intensify efforts against glaucoma, widely regarded as the leading cause of irreversible blindness.

Speaking at the event, the Administrator of the Bureau, Dr. Betty Emeka-Obasi, described glaucoma as the “silent thief of sight,” warning that many people living with the disease remain unaware of their condition until permanent vision loss has already occurred.

Emeka-Obasi disclosed that records from the Bureau between September 2024 and the present show 6,381 confirmed glaucoma cases in the state, noting that the figure could be significantly higher as many residents have yet to undergo eye screening.

She explained that the burden of glaucoma in the state is worsened by illiteracy and the activities of unqualified eye care providers, adding that many patients initially seek treatment from untrained practitioners who administer harmful remedies before eventually presenting at proper medical facilities.

The administrator commended the leadership and support of the Governor of Abia State, Alex Chioma Otti, as well as the state Commissioner for Health, Enoch Uche, for their commitment to expanding access to quality eye care services across the state.

She noted that since the establishment of the Bureau through an Executive Order signed on July 15, 2024, significant progress has been recorded in strengthening eye health services. According to her, four public eye health centres have been upgraded, while over 20,500 patients have been served.

In addition, she said more than 13,500 residents have benefited from free eye screenings, while over 2,000 sight-restoring surgeries have been performed across the state.

Emeka-Obasi further disclosed that 10 vision centres have been operationalised within Primary Health Centres across Abia, with plans to onboard additional centres in the coming weeks to improve access to eye care services in rural communities.

The symposium featured a keynote address by renowned eye health researcher Bernadine Nsa Ekpenyong, while the event was chaired by distinguished ophthalmic surgeon Abali Chuku, a former Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre Umuahia.

Participants also witnessed the presentation of monetary awards to six students drawn from nine secondary schools across the three senatorial zones of the state after they emerged winners in glaucoma essay and drawing competitions organised to mark World Glaucoma Week.

According to a statement by Chioma Mpama, Public Relations Officer of the Bureau, the initiative reflects the agency’s commitment to promoting glaucoma awareness among young people and encouraging early detection of the disease.

Mpama added that the symposium formed part of activities marking World Glaucoma Week aimed at raising awareness, promoting early diagnosis and ensuring that residents do not lose their sight unnecessarily due to glaucoma.

The event was attended by the Commissioner for Health, other government officials, health sector stakeholders, traditional rulers and members of the clergy.