Glaucoma Awareness: National Eye Centre Leads Campaign in Kaduna
From Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The National Eye Centre (NEC), Kaduna, has taken the lead in raising awareness about glaucoma as part of the 2025 World Glaucoma Week.
The event, held at the Centre, brought together students, civil society organizations, the media, and other stakeholders to discuss the impact of the disease and the importance of early detection.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of NEC, Dr. Amina Hassan Wali, emphasized that glaucoma is a major cause of irreversible blindness but can be managed if detected early.
She explained that World Glaucoma Week is an opportunity to educate the public on the risks of the disease, the importance of regular eye check-ups, and available treatment options.
“We are using this platform to create awareness about glaucoma, its complications, and the importance of eye screening. As the apex hospital for eye care in Nigeria, we are committed to ensuring that more people understand this condition,” she said.
Dr. Wali further highlighted that NEC is providing free eye screenings for communities near the Centre, with those diagnosed receiving free treatment and surgery.
However, she noted challenges in managing the disease, including the high cost of quality medications, which many Nigerians cannot afford.
“Glaucoma is a lifetime disease, and those diagnosed need continuous follow-up. Treatment options include medication, laser procedures, and surgery, but many patients struggle to afford quality eye drops. As a result, surgery is often the first line of treatment for many cases,” she added.
In her presentation, Dr. Asiya Kanan, a consultant ophthalmologist at NEC’s Glaucoma Clinic, cautioned against the use of traditional remedies, stressing that they often do more harm than good.
“Traditional medications are dangerous because they lack scientific validation. Unlike conventional hospitals, where treatments are tested for safety, traditional healers prescribe remedies without proper research. Many patients who come to us have worsened their condition by using these treatments,” she warned.
A glaucoma patient, Ali Maidugu, shared his experience, describing the condition as life-altering. Speaking in Hausa, he urged people to take early warning signs seriously and undergo regular eye check-ups.
“I didn’t realize I had glaucoma early enough. I thought it was just dandruff affecting my eyes. By the time I understood, my condition had worsened. People need to be aware of this disease so they can seek medical help on time,” he said.
