By Fatima Saka
As part of activities in commemoration of the 2025 World Glaucoma Week, the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced free eye screenings, treatment, and spectacles for the public. Citizens, especially those in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), are encouraged to take advantage of this initiative to detect and manage glaucoma early.
Group Photograp: L-R : Mr. Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director Information & Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Health &SW; David Mallim(Association of Nigeria Dispensing Opticians) Standing behind: Mr. Rollo Romig, Solutions Insights Lab. Next: Dr. Etim, Asst. Director National Health Care Division; Dr.Yagana Imam, North East Coordinator under National Eyesight Programme and Member, National Eye health care; Middle: Dr. Akpan Michael, Representing Honourable Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare; Dr. Okolo Oteri National Coordinator, National Eye health Programme: Behind her: Mr. James Onele, Program Manager, One sight Essilorluxottica Foundation.
The free screenings will be conducted at the following locations:
Monday – Garki Market
Wednesday – FCT Public Health Department, Garki
Thursday – Durumi Park
Friday – Area 1 Park
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, made the announcement in Abuja on Monday, represented by Dr. Michael Akpan, Director of the Port Health Division, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
Dr. Salako emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening eye health services through policy development, training, and strategic interventions.
“Health is a collective responsibility. The government, town councils, communities, and all sectors must work together to address health challenges,” he stated.
He also urged the media to play a role in raising awareness, calling for training programs to equip journalists with the knowledge to effectively report on glaucoma and other eye health issues.
Emphasizing on the theme for this year, “Uniting for a Glaucoma-Free World: See the Future Clearly.” Dr. Salako stressed the importance of regular eye check-ups, noting that glaucoma is a silent and irreversible cause of blindness that can be managed if detected early.
“Glaucoma is a progressive disease that damages the optic nerve, leading to vision loss. It often develops without symptoms, making regular eye exams crucial for early detection,” he explained.
Globally, an estimated 60.5 million people are affected by glaucoma, with 87% residing in developing countries. In Nigeria, the 2005–2007 Blindness and Visual Impairment Survey reported that 4.2% of the population was blind, with 16.7% of cases attributed to glaucoma.
He also highlighted on risk factors which includes:
African ancestry, making virtually all Nigerians at risk
Age (40 years and above)
Family history of glaucoma
High eye pressure
Medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension
Eye injuries and prolonged use of corticosteroid eye drops.
National Initiatives for Vision Health
He added that to combat vision loss, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, through the National Eye Health Programme (NEHP), is implementing the Effective Spectacle Coverage Initiative Nigeria (ESCIN), also known as JigiBola 2.0.
The program aims to:
Provide 5 million free reading glasses over three years, offer free vision screening nationwide, and establish vision centers where spectacles are available at subsidized rates
The minister of state for health, further underscores that since its launch in 2023, the initiative has screened over 100,000 Nigerians and distributed 80,000+ spectacles. It operates in partnership with organizations such as the Livelihood Impact Fund, Restoring Vision USA, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI).
“Additionally, 3,000+ primary healthcare workers from 682 PHC facilities in 182 local governments across 15 states have been trained in Primary Eye Care (PEC). The goal is to integrate eye care services into grassroots health systems, ensuring early intervention for glaucoma and other vision-related conditions.”
Call for Action
In her welcome address, Daju Kachollom Shangti, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, represented by Dr. Oteri Okolo, highlighted the need for public awareness.
“Glaucoma affects millions worldwide. This week, we aim to educate the public on prevention, early detection, and treatment. Regular eye check-ups can save vision,” she emphasized.
She urged Nigerians to schedule regular comprehensive eye exams, also encourage family and friends to do the same and spread awareness about early detection.
“Many of us know someone diagnosed too late. Their vision loss is a stark reminder of why we must act now,” she added.
Partners Pledge Support
In goodwill messages, representatives of Sightsavers and CBM International reaffirmed their commitment to reducing blindness caused by glaucoma.
Mr. Rollo Romig of Sightsavers stated: “is here to study the National Eye Health Program for the Solutions Insights Lab. “And I’ve been treated with enormous hospitality since the moment I landed, and I’m very grateful to meet you all and to learn more about the important work you’re doing here.”
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A CBM International representative added: “Glaucoma remains a major public health challenge. Collaboration, strategic interventions, and inclusive eye care solutions are crucial in the fight against blindness.”
Other partners are: CHAI, CBM Global, OSELF, and CHAN
Distinct News reports that Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased intraocular pressure. The two most common types are: Open-angle glaucoma (most prevalent) and Angle-closure glaucoma.
