By Praise Chinecherem
The Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) has disclosed that glaucoma is more prevalent among the Igbo race.
The body said the sickness is very prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa, mostly in Nigeria and particularly in the Southeastern states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo.
NOA president, Dr Chimeziri Anderson, made the revelation in Awka, Anambra state, at the National Delegates Congress and Glaucoma Summit themed, “Glaucoma, the Silent Thief of Sight.”
He said that being of Igbo ethnicity makes one a glaucoma-risk patient and that the cause might be genetic.
In his words, “Globally, glaucoma is more prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa, more in Nigeria; and, in Nigeria, more among the Igbo. So, being of Igbo ethnicity makes you a glaucoma-risk patient.
“In Abia state for example, you find out that one out of two or three adults has glaucoma. It’s an ongoing study which can be attributed to genes that are more disposed to the ailment.
“The study is targeted at locating and finding the cure to the gene therapy. If you’re of black origin, Igbo man or woman, always ask for a glaucoma check.”
While restating the body’s commitment to work in a country where the citizenry is needlessly blind, Chimeziri regretted that many, especially those at the grassroots, still suffer blindness through trauma, injuries and application of harmful traditional eye medications.
He added, “According to international report, 80% of blindness are avoidable as most of them depend on life choices of diets and poor health-seeking behaviours.
“Many visit hospital hospitals and patronise quacks only when their cases have degenerated. The most important aspect of tackling this menace is prevention, (and that is the) reason we emphasise more on health promotion to avoid the disease.
“Our association is committed to a country where no one is needlessly blind. Regrettably, many, especially those in the rural areas, experience blindness through trauma, injuries and application of harmful traditional eye medications.
“Our duty is to keep on educating them to shun those practices to save them from becoming blind occasioned by those risk factors. We also educate people on the difference between glaucoma and cataract.
“Our target is to screen over 1000 glaucoma patients in the state, give them treatment and make referrals for those with manifest glaucoma to hospitals and health centres for proper management.
“We’re also relaunching our school health outreaches where we distribute free glasses to children after screening them. This year, we’re targeting 10 milion children across Nigeria.
“We’re partnering with various donor agencies to complement federal government’s efforts in the area of school feeding programme to ensure adequate feeding for children which also affects their visuals.
“We’re also unveiling and launching our maiden newsletter, Eye Connect, to reach out to our increasing members for authentic information.
While urging optometrists to see the project as an opportunity to give back to society what God has blessed them with, the NOA boss called on philanthropists, government agencies and international donor-agencies to support the association to achieve its goals.
He called on the Anambra state governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, to declare free eye check for children in the state, even as he requested for the employment of more optometrists at the primary level with adequate remunerations.
“Anambra is the only state that has, so far, placed optometry where it belongs. We have a head of optometry in the state ministry of health. We appreciate the recognition and importance the state has placed on eye health.
“We’ve been given a status in the state. This is different from what is obtainable in other states where the optometrist cadre is under the director of medical services. Other states are now emulating Anambra.
“Governor Soludo is among personalities on whom we shall be conferring awards during our summit. This is for his outstanding performance, especially in the area of security, health and infrastructural development,” Chimeziri added.
