By Ifeanyichukwu Ibe
Members of the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA), Imo State Chapter, have called for stronger collaboration among eye-care professionals, government agencies, organizations, and communities to address the growing threat of glaucoma, described as one of the leading causes of avoidable blindness.
The call was made in Owerri on Sunday during the association’s 2026 First Quarterly General Meeting, which also served as a media conference to flag off activities marking the global World Glaucoma Week in the state.
The event featured lectures centered on the 2026 theme, “Uniting for a Glaucoma-Free World.”
In his address, the Imo State NOA Chairman, Dr. Patrick Iwuchukwu, described glaucoma as a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve and can lead to permanent vision loss if not detected early or if is properly managed.
He emphasized that the disease often develops silently without noticeable symptoms, making early detection through routine eye examinations critical.
“Glaucoma is a dangerous eye disease, many people are unaware they have it. Regular eye examinations remain the most effective way to detect it and so treatment can be started early,” Dr. Iwuchukwu said. He warned that glaucoma remains a major public health concern and a significant cause of avoidable blindness in society.
Dr. Iwuchukwu, who also serves as the Head of the Department of Quality Assurance at the Imo State Health Insurance Agency (IMSHIA), noted that collaborative efforts—as emphasized by the 2026 theme—should be embraced by all relevant stakeholders as a call to action toward eliminating avoidable blindness.
According to him, collaborative practice would enhance awareness campaigns, screenings, early detection, prompt treatment, timely referrals, and comprehensive care for glaucoma patients. He added that optometrists play a frontline role in identifying glaucoma cases through routine eye examinations and screening procedures.
Dr. Iwuchukwu further disclosed that optometrists in the state would conduct free glaucoma screenings from March 9 to March 14 as part of activities lined up to mark the week. He encouraged residents of Imo State to take advantage of the opportunity to undergo eye examinations to determine their glaucoma status and general eye health.
Also speaking, Consultant Ophthalmologist and glaucoma specialist, Dr. Anyika Fidelis, delivered a lecture focusing on partnership and a paradigm shift in glaucoma management. He warned against managing glaucoma in isolation and stressed the importance of synergy among eye-care providers and other stakeholders.
Dr. Anyika emphasized that glaucoma-related blindness is largely preventable if detected early and treated promptly.
“Glaucoma blindness is preventable because when it is detected early and the right treatment is instituted, vision can be preserved. But when it is not detected early and vision has already been lost, the blindness becomes irreversible,” he explained.
He urged members of the public to be aware of risk factors such as eye trauma, diabetes, hypertension, and family history, and advised regular eye examinations as a preventive measure.
Dr. Anyika also encouraged eye specialists to consider surgical intervention where necessary as a more permanent treatment approach for glaucoma management.
