The Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) , has disclosed that glaucoma is more prevalent among the Igbo race.
The body said the sickness is more prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa, more in Nigeria and most in the Southeast.
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, “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 have glaucoma. It’s an ongoing study which can be attributed to genes that is 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 or Igbo man or woman, always ask for glocoma check.”
While restating the body’s commitment to 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 behaviors.
“Many visit hospital hospitals and patronize quacks only when their cases degenerate. The most important aspect of tackling this menace is prevention, reason we emphasize more on health promotion to avoid the decease.
“Our duty is to keep on educating them to shun those practices to save them from becoming blind occassioned by those risk factors. We also educate people on difference between glocoma and cataract.
“Our target is to screen over 1000 glocoma patients in the state, give them treatment and make referrals for those with manifest glocoma to hospitals and health centre for proper management.
“We’re also relaunching our school health outreaches where we distribute free glasses to children after sreening them. This year, we’re targeting 10milion children across Nigeria.
“We’re partnering with various donor agencies to compliment 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 opportunity to give back to the 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 Anambra State governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo to declare free eye check for children in the state, even as he requested for 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 Head of Optometry in the state Ministry of Health. We appreciate the recognition and importance the state has placed on eye health.
“Governor Soludo is among personalities we’ll be conferring award to during the Summit for his outstanding performance, especially in the area of security, health and infrastructural development,” Chimeziri added.
