Northern Pulse: Glaucoma Week : KDSG, Sightsavers screen 500 in Kaduna, advocate routine eye check

By Aisha Gambo

The Kaduna State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Sightsavers, has conducted a free eye screening exercise and medication for 500 persons in Kaduna, urging residents to prioritise routine eye checks.

The screening and awareness exercise was held at the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Kaduna, as part of activities to mark the 2026 World Glaucoma Week (WGW).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2026 World Glaucoma Week is themed: “Uniting for a Glaucoma-free world”.

Speaking at the event, the Programme Director of the Reaching the Last Mile Programme in Nigeria at Sightsavers, Anita Gwom, described glaucoma as a severe eye condition that could permanently damage vision if not discovered and treated on time.

According to Gwom, the event is organised as part of global efforts to draw attention to glaucoma and promote early detection through public enlightenment and free eye checks.

She said the organisation worked alongside government agencies and other partners to provide screening services for members of the public and to educate them on the importance of protecting their eye health.

The director added that the organisation in collaborated with specialists and health workers at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital were to carry out the screening and enhance access to eye care services.

Gwom noted that people found with glaucoma symptoms or other eye-related conditions during the exercise would be directed to appropriate health facilities for further medical evaluation and treatment.

She explained that the outreach was designed to encourage people to check their eyes regularly so that potential problems could be detected before they become severe.

The director emphasised that eye health often receives less attention compared to other health issues, even though vision plays a critical role in people’s quality of life.

“Many people only understand the seriousness of eye problems when their sight is already affected.

“We prioritise collaboration with government institutions because strengthening the health system requires joint efforts,” she said.

Gwom therefore, urged government authorities, philanthropists and private donors to invest more in eye health initiatives in order to scale up interventions nationwide.

A cross section of beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the gesture, saying that they were now more informed of the importance of routine eye checks.

One of them, Abdullahi Isuhu said he was screened and was given glasses to correct his sight as he could not read alphabets in small letters.

A hearing impaired woman who couldn’t write her name expressed satisfaction through sign language and a smiling face after she had received medication for her eye problem.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that packs of fruits were also shared with people who came for the check-up to serve as motivation. (NAN)