By Enyinna Omoke,Abakaliki
As part of the activities to commemorate Glaucoma week in David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, a medical expert warned that Glaucoma causes irreversible blindness If not diagnosed on time. While the Vice Chancellor stated that the institution has offered over 2,412 patients free eye screening and treatment within the period under review.
The Consultant Ophthalmologist, Dr.Iganga Ogbonnaya, stated that the institute is commemorating Glaucoma week, which started on 8th March,2026.
The medical expert explained that the ongoing free Eye seminar/screening for Glaucoma is taking place at the Institute of Eye Health and Vision Science Research, DUFUHS.
He stated that the essence of the one week program, is to commemorate Glaucoma as a disease, saying that Glaucoma causes irreversible blindness if it is not diagnosed on time.
Dr.Iganga further noted that the essence is to create awareness, advocacy for people to take precautions.
The Ophthalmologist explained that Glaucoma has affected 78 million people globally, adding that the disease is preventable, though irreversible.
On his part,the Vice Chancellor,David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences,Prof.Jesse Uneke announced that it has provided free treatment to over 2,412 patients with eye conditions within seven months through its Free Eye Care Initiative and Eye Research Programme.
The Vice Chancellor explained that the University, also distributed 1,000 eyeglasses to patients at no cost, adding that the programme was in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, with the ultimate aim of reversing both medical and educational tourism.
Speaking at a press and media engagement held at the institution’s Ultramodern Eye Centre and Institute for Eye Health and Visual Sciences Research (IEHVSR), the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Jesse Uneke, said the programme was part of DUFUHS’s mandate on research, training, and community development.
According to him, the facility, supported by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), was established to address Nigeria’s rising burden of visual impairment and blindness, which currently affects an estimated 24 million people.
In a visit to the eye institute,eye patients were seeing undergoing screening, surgery and treatment of other related diseases
