World Glaucoma Day: FCTA Flags-Off Free Eye Screening Exercise

By: Prudence Okonna

In its efforts to reduce cases of Glaucoma in the Federal Capital Territory, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has flagged-off a free eye screening exercise for residents.

Accordingly, the exercise is in commemoration of World Glaucoma Week 2024.

The Free eye care screening was flagged off Wednesday, at the Public Health Department, Area 3, Garki, Abuja.

While flagging off the free screening exercise, the Secretary of Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, said providing the free eye screening in collaboration with its partners underscores the theme for the year “Uniting for a Glaucoma-free World” which is a shared vision, purpose, and commitment towards ensuring the health and well-being of FCT residents.

The Secretary, who was represented by the Director of Medical and Diagnostics, HSES, Dr. Abubakar Ahmadu, said the free eye screening reflects the resolve of the FCT Administration’s dedication to providing an opportunity to address the pressing health challenges facing the society.

While appreciating the partners in the Eye health sector, Fasawe said their invaluable support has been instrumental in making the programme a reality through their collaborative and collective efforts.

Also speaking, the Director Public Health Department, Dr. Doris John, said that access to health care is a fundamental right; adding that they have to ensure that everyone has access to this right.

She reiterated the mission of the Public Health Department, which is to promote the health and well-being of community members, especially the vulnerable people; adding that the free screening program is aimed at breaking down barriers to eye care, especially for those who cannot afford to screen themselves because of their socio-economic status.

Her words: “Our dedication to breaking down barriers to eye care and ensuring that every individual, regardless of their socioeconomic status, has the opportunity to safeguard their vision”.

While welcoming guests to the occasion, Programme Manager, Eye Care Unit, Public Health Department, Dr. Abdulazaq Garba, said Glaucoma is the thief of sight that gradually creeps in on its victims.

Garba reiterated the importance of the screening, which he said, would help for early detection and treatment thereby forestalling any case of blindness.

Also speaking, Facility Administrator Everright Diagnostics and Coordinator Everright Healthcare Foundation, Estella Okezie, said collaborating to provide the free screening was part of its organisation’s mandate.

Okezie lauded the efforts of the FCT Administration in meeting the needs of community members through the initiative as well as committed to see the screening through to the scheduled date.