The Kaduna State Government, in collaboration with Sightsavers and other partners, has commenced a free eye screening exercise targeting 1,000 residents across the state. The exercise, held at Gonin-Gora, Chikun Local Government Area, was organised to mark the 2026 World Sight Day with the theme, “Love Your Eyes.” This initiative aims to detect eye problems early and provide treatment or referral where necessary.
A Consultant Ophthalmologist and Senior Lecturer at Kaduna State University, Dr Stanley Bulus, warned residents against glaucoma, describing it as a “silent thief of sight.” He emphasized the importance of early detection, stating that if residents do not avail themselves of the opportunity to be screened, they may be discovered very late when little can be done. Dr Bulus identified common eye conditions being detected during the exercise, including cataract, glaucoma, eye infections, presbyopia, and allergic conjunctitis.
Dr Bulus mentioned that between 500 and 700 people were expected to benefit from the Gonin-Gora screening, while other outreaches would help the state achieve the overall target of 1,000 residents. He expressed gratitude to the people of Gonin-Gora for their cooperation and massive participation in the exercise. The screening is part of the Kaduna State Eye Health Programme's efforts to increase awareness and improve access to eye-care services.
The Vice Chairman of the Kaduna State Eye Health Committee, Dr Fatima Mahmud, urged residents to undergo eye examinations at least once a year, warning that some sight-threatening conditions could develop without pain or obvious symptoms. She disclosed that the Kaduna State Eye Health Programme had trained community eye-health workers to identify people requiring care and link them with appropriate health facilities.
Barbara Anang Marok, Sightsavers Programme Officer for Eye Health, said the organisation was using World Sight Day to increase awareness and improve access to eye-care services. Marok emphasized that the community screening outreach aimed to ensure that people have access to screening services and understand the importance of basic and simple prevention measures.
The District Head of Gonin-Gora, Hon. John Yusuf Sarki, who benefited from the screening, commended the organisers for taking the service to the community. He shared his positive experience, stating that he had been tested and given eyeglasses and medication. The officials urged residents to prioritise regular eye checks, noting that early detection and treatment could help prevent avoidable blindness.
This year's World Sight Day featured a sensitization road walk attended by health stakeholders, eye specialists, and relevant partners. The Kaduna State Government and Sightsavers will continue to work together to promote eye health and provide accessible eye-care services to residents across the state. The free eye screening exercise is a significant step towards achieving this goal.
Key points
- The Kaduna State Government targets 1,000 residents for free eye screening in collaboration with Sightsavers.
- Dr Stanley Bulus warns against glaucoma, emphasizing the importance of early detection.
- Residents are urged to undergo eye examinations at least once a year to prevent avoidable blindness.
