15/03/24
PRESS RELEASE
DANIELS OG
LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
PRESS RELEASE
OVER 650,000 RESIDENTS BENEFIT FROM FREE EYE INTERVENTIONS
Lagos State Government has revealed that over 650,000 residents have benefited from free eye interventions through the State Ministry of Health’s blindness prevention program.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, made this known during an awareness and sensitization walk held within Alausa Secretariat community to commemorate the Y2024 World Glaucoma Week Celebration in Lagos State. She stated that 270,000 residents received free eye glasses from the state government, while over 30,000 underwent free surgeries.
“Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that affect the optic nerve, leading to irreversible loss of vision without prior warning. To date, the blindness prevention program has reached over 650,000 people in various communities in the state. Out of these, 270,000 benefited from free eye glasses, while over 30,000 underwent free eye surgeries to restore their vision,” she said.
Dr. Ogunyemi further explained that the Y2024 World Glaucoma Week Celebration, themed “Uniting for a Glaucoma Free World,” aligns with the present administration’s commitment to the prevention of avoidable blindness, stressing that the State Government has provided primary eye care services within the community, including screening, eye health education, free treatment for minor eye conditions, and a referral system to secondary eye units.
She added that the State Government has equipped 11 general hospitals, including Lagos Island, Ikorodu, Gbagada, Ajeromi, Isolo, Badagry, Orile Agege, Epe, Ijede, Ifako-Ijaiye, and Alimosho, with facilities to investigate and manage cataract, glaucoma, and other common eye conditions.
Highlighting the commitment of the present administration to reduce the prevalence of blindness in Lagos State, the Special Adviser noted that the week-long activities, which is scheduled to hold from March 10th to 16th, include free eye screening for market women within the premises of Police Barracks Alausa.
She commended all relevant stakeholders who have always supported the State Government in the commemoration of the World Glaucoma Week celebration.
Earlier, the Director, Medical Administration Training and Programs in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Funmilayo Shokunbi urged all residents, especially those above the age of 40, to check the condition of their eyes regularly, at least once a year, to ensure good eye health.
“It is important that you get screened regularly. Learn about Glaucoma, read, and ask questions about it, and more importantly, as you pass the second and third decade of your life, make sure you go to the hospital and consult your doctor at least once a year,” she emphasized.
Signed
Tunbosun Ogunbanwo
Director, Public Affairs
Dara Network TV 