In a landmark event, the Nigerian government has launched Glaucoma Guideline and Toolkit aimed at addressing the growing concern of glaucoma in the country.
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The National Coordinator, National Eye Health Programme, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Okolo Oteri, emphasized the urgent need to tackle glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible vision loss globally and in Nigeria.
Highlighting data from the Nigeria Blindness and Vision Impairment Survey, she pointed out that, “0.78% of Nigerians are blind, with glaucoma accounting for 16.7% of the blindness burden.
“Despite its prevalence, awareness remains low, with only 5.6% of those affected aware of their condition,” she added.
The National Coordinator stressed the necessity for integrated patient-focused care to manage this chronic but treatable condition.
Addressing the challenges in glaucoma care, Dr. Oteri noted significant inequalities in access to effective and timely services.
“Socio-economic factors, cultural beliefs, and inadequate infrastructure contribute to late presentation and poor adherence to treatment,” she said.
The need for an efficient care pathway, improved eye care infrastructure, and comprehensive patient education was highlighted as crucial steps toward reducing the impact of glaucoma.
Dr. Oteri elaborated on the rigorous process behind the development of the new guideline, which involved contributions from a diverse group of stakeholders, including patient support groups and technical experts.
“The guideline aims to provide a framework for early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and effective follow-up, aligning with global best practices,” she explained.
She emphasized that the guideline is not a substitute for professional judgment but a tool to aid healthcare providers in delivering optimal care.
“The launch of the guideline is seen as a significant step toward establishing a sustainable and integrated glaucoma care service in Nigeria.”
Dr. Oteri stressed the importance of workforce training, routine data capture for monitoring and evaluation, and research to improve management options for glaucoma patients.
She called upon all stakeholders to embrace this national assignment and work collectively towards evidence-based interventions for the overall good of the populace.
In his address, the Consultant and Chairman of the National Eye Health Committee at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Prof. Afekhide Omoti, commended the strides made in Nigeria’s ophthalmology field over the past few years.
Speaking to an audience of health professionals, Prof. Omoti highlighted the remarkable achievements that the National Eye Health Program has accomplished, particularly in collaboration with key partners and specialists.
Prof. Omoti emphasized the significance of partnerships in advancing eye health initiatives, expressing gratitude towards the organizations that have supported these efforts.
“Without the partners, I don’t know where we would be,” he noted, underscoring the essential role of collaborative efforts in reaching current milestones.
He praised the recent developments in glaucoma management, a field that has seen considerable debate and diverse opinions on best practices.
The establishment of a unified protocol for glaucoma treatment, aimed at standardizing care across Nigeria, was highlighted as a major achievement.
“The introduction of the unified glaucoma management protocol has already been implemented in four to six states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), marking a significant step forward in the country’s eye health strategy,” he said.
Prof. Omoti lauded this development as a testament to the collective hard work of all involved in the National Eye Health Program.
He expressed optimism that these advancements would continue to enhance eye care services across Nigeria, benefiting countless individuals and setting a precedent for other medical specialties in the country.
