Kaduna Begins Free Eye Screening For 1,000 Residents
The Kaduna State Government, in partnership with Sightsavers and other stakeholders, has commenced a free eye screening exercise aimed at reaching 1,000 residents across the state.
The exercise took place on Thursday at Gonin-Gora in Chikun Local Government Area as part of activities marking the 2026 World Sight Day, celebrated under the theme, “Love Your Eyes.”
Speaking during the programme, a Consultant Ophthalmologist and Senior Lecturer at Kaduna State University, Dr Stanley Bulus, cautioned residents about the dangers of glaucoma, describing it as a “silent thief of sight.”
Bulus explained that the screening exercise was designed to identify eye conditions early and provide treatment or referrals where necessary.
He warned that glaucoma could develop without obvious symptoms and lead to severe vision loss if not detected early.
“Glaucoma will come quietly and steal the sight. If you do not avail yourself of the opportunity to be screened, you may be discovered very late when we can do little.
“But if we are able to get you early, we will be able to institute management and you will be able to live with your eyes,” he said.
He listed cataracts, glaucoma, eye infections, presbyopia and allergic conjunctivitis among the common eye conditions being identified during the exercise.
According to him, between 500 and 700 residents were expected to benefit from the screening at Gonin-Gora, while additional outreach programmes would help the state meet its overall target of 1,000 beneficiaries.
Bulus said the organisers had informed residents about the exercise to enable them to undergo general eye examinations and receive assistance for conditions that could be treated immediately.
He commended the Gonin-Gora community for its positive response and cooperation, noting that residents had turned out in large numbers to participate in the programme.
Meanwhile, the Vice Chairman of the Kaduna State Eye Health Committee, Dr Fatima Mahmud, encouraged residents to undergo eye examinations at least once a year.
She warned that some eye conditions capable of causing blindness could develop without pain or noticeable symptoms.
“People should not wait until something is wrong with their eyes before going to the hospital. Eye screening should be part of our regular health checks,” she said.
Mahmud also disclosed that the Kaduna State Eye Health Programme had trained community eye-health workers to identify individuals in need of eye care and connect them with appropriate health facilities.
Similarly, the Sightsavers Programme Officer for Eye Health, Barbara Anang Marok, said the organisation was using World Sight Day to raise awareness about eye health and improve access to screening services.
Marok explained that the community outreach was intended to encourage people to take their eye health seriously and understand the importance of regular screening as a preventive measure.
She noted that the initiative would help residents access eye examinations and become more aware of simple measures that could protect their vision.
The District Head of Gonin-Gora, Hon. John Yusuf Sarki, who participated in the screening, praised the organisers for bringing eye-care services closer to the community.
Sarki disclosed that he had undergone an eye examination and received eyeglasses and medication, expressing satisfaction with the outcome.
The organisers and health officials urged residents to make regular eye examinations a priority, stressing that early detection and proper treatment could prevent avoidable blindness.
The 2026 World Sight Day activities also featured a sensitisation road walk involving health stakeholders, eye specialists and other relevant partners.
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