.Announces Free Glaucoma Screening For Public Servants

The Lagos State Government on Tuesday kicked off activities to mark the 2025 World Glaucoma Week with a health awareness walk around the State Government Secretariat and Alausa community.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Lagos State Ministry of Health, aims to raise public consciousness about glaucoma – a leading cause of irreversible blindness – and encourage early detection through regular eye screenings.
The World Glaucoma Week, observed globally from March 9 to 15, is themed “Uniting for a Glaucoma-Free World.”
This year’s focus highlights the critical role of collaboration in early diagnosis, timely treatment, and prevention of vision loss.
The awareness walk attracted government officials, ophthalmologists, optometrists, nurses, and other stakeholders committed to reducing the burden of blindness in Lagos State.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi emphasized the devastating impact of glaucoma, describing it as a “silent thief of sight” due to its asymptomatic progression.
“Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide and the leading cause of irreversible blindness in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria,” she stated.
Dr. Ogunyemi who was represented by her Senior Special Assistant, Mrs. Sarah Balogun noted that the Lagos State Government has made significant strides in combating eye diseases by establishing comprehensive eye services across all levels of healthcare.
“We have primary eye care services in local government health centers, secondary eye care in 12 general hospitals, and tertiary eye care at LASUTH, Ikeja. These facilities provide screenings, treatments, and referrals for glaucoma and other vision-threatening conditions,” she added.
Highlighting past achievements, the Special Adviser revealed that over one million Lagosians, including students, have benefitted from free glaucoma screenings through community outreaches and school-based eye health programs.
“This week, the Lagos State Ministry of Health will conduct free glaucoma screenings for public servants at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic in Alausa,” she announced, urging public servants to take advantage of the initiative.
The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, reiterated the importance of routine eye examinations. “Glaucoma is insidious. Many people do not experience symptoms until their vision is already significantly impaired. Unfortunately, once blindness occurs, it is irreversible,” he warned.
He urged Lagosians, especially those at high risk – individuals over 40, those with a family history of glaucoma, hypertensives, diabetics, and people with high myopia – to prioritize annual eye screenings.
“We have 13 general hospitals with eye clinics spread across the state, alongside trained primary healthcare personnel providing eye care. No one should have difficulty accessing screening and treatment,” he emphasized.
Dr. Ogboye explained that glaucoma screening is more than just testing for spectacles.
“It requires checking eye pressure and fundoscopy – a deep examination of the optic nerve using specialized equipment. The earlier the condition is detected, the better the chances of preserving vision,” he advised.
He concluded by encouraging collective responsibility in eye health, stating, “Please, let us spread the message – get your eyes checked and remind your loved ones to do the same.”
The Director of Medical Administration, Training, and Programs at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Mazeedat Erinosho emphasized the need for increased awareness. “Many people ignore eye care, yet the eyes are our window to the future. Lagosians must adopt a health-seeking culture and prioritize routine eye checkups,” she stated.
She explained that apart from the awareness walk, flyers and educational materials would be distributed across Lagos State government offices to sensitize workers on glaucoma prevention.
“We will also train primary healthcare nurses on early detection techniques to ensure that screening services are available at the grassroots level,” she added.
The Chairman, Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN), Lagos State Branch, Dr. Olayinka Shoneye-Vaughan, underscored the dangers of late diagnosis.
“Many people assume they have perfect vision until they visit the clinic and discover they are already in the end-stage of glaucoma,” he lamented.
He urged the public to take advantage of screening programs, as glaucoma is cheaper to treat in its early stages than when vision is already lost.
“If diagnosed early and properly managed, individuals can retain useful vision throughout their lifetime,” he noted.
In his remarks, Chairman, Nigerian Ophthalmologic Nurses Association, Lagos State Chapter, Mr. Manema Godwin reinforced the importance of routine professional eye examinations.
“There are no visible symptoms of glaucoma in the early stages; only a trained professional can detect it through screening,” he stated.
He emphasized that preventing blindness requires regular checkups, adding, “We must encourage individuals, families, and communities to make eye screening a habit rather than a reactionary measure.”
The 2025 World Glaucoma Week Awareness Walk reflects the Lagos State Government’s unwavering commitment to blindness prevention. With continued advocacy, free screenings, and accessible eye care services, the state aims to reduce the burden of glaucoma and protect the vision of millions of residents.
As activities for the week unfold, residents are encouraged to seize the opportunity for free glaucoma screening and help spread the message of early detection and treatment—a crucial step toward a glaucoma-free Lagos.