The Administrator of the Abia State Eye Health Management Bureau, Dr. (Mrs.) Betty Emeka-Obasi, has announced free eye screenings across the state in commemoration of World Glaucoma Week 2025, courtesy of the Health-Conscious Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti.
Dr. Betty Emeka-Obasi made this declaration during the Pre-Glaucoma Week Walk and Opening Ceremony, led by the Wife of the Governor, Lady Priscilla Chidinma Otti, who was ably represented by the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adaeze Emetu.
In her address, Dr. Betty Emeka-Obasi emphasized that glaucoma remains one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness, with a high prevalence in southeastern Nigeria. Describing glaucoma as the “silent thief of vision,” she explained that the disease gradually damages the optic nerve and often progresses asymptomatically until significant vision loss occurs.
She further revealed that out of 10,251 eye cases recorded at Abia Specialist Hospital, Umuahia, 2,949 people were diagnosed with glaucoma, with a staggering 70% unaware of their condition.
Also, the representative of the Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Adaeze Emetu reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to quality eye care, stating that the Governor has declared free eye screenings across all 17 local government areas. These screenings she said would take place from March 12th to 14th, 2025, as part of a statewide campaign against glaucoma.
Speaking also at the event, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Enoch Ogbonnaya, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Blossom Uma Kalu, described glaucoma as “hypertension of the eyes” and stressed the importance of regular eye check-ups, reiterating that early detection is crucial in preventing blindness caused by the disease.
She urged all residents to take advantage of the free eye screening initiative, emphasizing that early detection is key to preventing vision loss.
Present at the event were the commissioner for tertiary Education Proffessor Eme Uche Eme, commissioner for LG and chieftaincy Prince Uzo Nwachukwu , Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Policy and Interventions, Rev. Fr. Christian Anokwuru (PhD) CEO HMB Dr Odochi Azubuike, Ex Sec PHC Dr Kalu Ulu Kalu, Executive Secretary ABSHIA Chidoziem Egwuonu, CMD Abia Specialist Hospital Dr Chimezie Okwuonu, traditional rulers from Umuahia North LGA, led by their Chairman, Sir Innocent Nwigwe, among other distinguished dignitaries.
