By Enyinna Omoke, Abakaliki.
A Consultant Ophthalmologist at the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), Dr. Iganga Ogbonnaya, has warned that glaucoma can lead to irreversible blindness if not detected and treated early.
Ogbonnaya gave the warning during activities marking the 2026 Glaucoma Week, which began on March 8 at the university’s Institute of Eye Health and Vision Science Research.
He explained that glaucoma remains one of the leading causes of permanent blindness worldwide, stressing that the disease often progresses silently until significant damage has occurred.
According to him, the week-long programme, which includes free seminars and screening exercises, is aimed at raising public awareness about the dangers of glaucoma and encouraging people to undergo regular eye examinations.
“Glaucoma is a major cause of irreversible blindness globally. Once the vision is lost, it cannot be restored. That is why early detection through routine screening is extremely important,” he said.
Ogbonnaya disclosed that more than 78 million people across the world are currently living with glaucoma, noting that although the condition is preventable and manageable when detected early, many patients present late due to lack of awareness.
He added that the free eye screening programme taking place at the university’s eye institute was designed to help detect cases early and provide necessary medical intervention.
Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Jesse Uneke, revealed that the university has provided free eye screening and treatment to over 2,412 patients within the last seven months through its Free Eye Care Initiative and Eye Research Programme.
Uneke also announced that about 1,000 eyeglasses had been distributed free of charge to patients diagnosed with refractive errors.
Speaking during a press and media engagement at the institution’s ultramodern Eye Centre and the Institute for Eye Health and Visual Sciences Research (IEHVSR), the Vice Chancellor said the initiative aligns with the healthcare and development vision of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He explained that the programme was also designed to reduce the growing trend of medical and educational tourism by strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare delivery and research capacity.
“The Free Eye Care Initiative is part of the university’s mandate in research, training and community service. Our goal is to provide quality eye care services to Nigerians while also advancing research in ophthalmology,” Uneke said.
He noted that the facility, supported by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), was established to tackle the rising burden of visual impairment and blindness in Nigeria.
According to him, recent estimates indicate that about 24 million Nigerians are affected by varying degrees of visual impairment, underscoring the urgent need for sustained interventions in eye health.
During a visit to the institute, several patients were seen undergoing various medical procedures, including eye screening, surgeries and treatment for other related vision disorders.
Health experts at the centre reiterated the importance of regular eye examinations, particularly for people above the age of 40 and those with a family history of glaucoma, noting that early diagnosis remains the most effective way to prevent permanent vision loss.
