World Sight Day: Kaduna Govt Targets 1000 Residents For Eye Treatment
The Kaduna government says it has targeted 1,000 vision impaired persons for free eye care services in the state.
The exercise, which began on Wednesday, is being implemented in collaboration between the Kaduna Ministry of Health and the Sightsavers, a development partner.
The free eye screening outreach was part of activities to mark the 2026 World Sight Day in the state.
The theme of the day is, “Love Your Eyes, because of the importance of the eyes to humanity.”
Barbara Marok, Programme Officer, Eye Health, Sightsavers, stated this at the inauguration of the exercise at Gonin Gora community and the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), on Wednesday in Kaduna.
He said that the exercise would be conducted in communities to reach the people and workers in government establishments.
Marok said that the outreach was designed to create awareness on the importance of eye health, and encourage early detection of eye problems.
He said that the organisation selected different communities for the outreach to mobilise participation and ensure wider coverage in the eye-screening exercise.
Dr Stanley Bulus, an Ophthalmologist, said that the exercise targeted between 500 and 1,000 persons in the Gonin Gora community.
He said that the team comprised ophthalmologists, ophthalmic nurses, optometrists and other supporting personnel, adding that the response from residents had been impressive.
Bulus, who is a lecturer at the Kaduna State University (KASU), listed some of the common eye conditions identified during the exercise to include cataract, glaucoma, eye infections, presbyopia and allergic conjunctivitis.
“Cataract is a reversible cause of blindness, while glaucoma could cause irreversible loss of vision if not detected and managed early.
“Eye care is something that we need to take seriously,” he said.
Bulus urged the people to take eye health seriously and undergo regular screening, noting that some eye conditions could develop without obvious symptoms.
Also, John Sarki, Chief of the Gonin Gora community, lauded the gesture, adding that it would improve eye health.
He said that he was screened, and received drugs and glasses in the exercise.
A beneficiary, Victoria Musa, said that she presented her mother with severe vision impairment for treatment.
Musa said that the patient received an eye glass to correct blurry vision, and was referred for surgery.
Another beneficiary, Revelation Adamu, said that he received eye drops, and also referred to Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, if his condition did not improve.
“The services are free of charge, the intervention is commendable,” he said
