Ophthalmological Society Of Nigeria To Conduct Free Cataract Surgeries Worth N20m


Chioma Umeha

(NAN) The Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN) says it will conduct free cataract surgeries worth over N20 million on no fewer than 250 less privileged people in the country.
Dr Sunday Abu, the Chairman of Eye Camp and Surgery Committee of the society, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.
Abu said that the exercise was part of the society’s corporate social responsibilities.
“The average cost of one cataract operation is N80, 000 and the 250 eye surgeries will cost about N20 million if we are to cost them but we are not spending money.
“We are not spending money because consumables are donated by Sight-savers, an International NGO while we have experts volunteering their services for the success of the surgeries,” Abu said.
Cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye which leads to a decrease in vision.
Some of the symptoms include faded colours of the eye, blurry vision, halos around light, trouble with bright lights and trouble seeing at night.
Abu said that 150 surgeries were billed to be conducted at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, (UATH), Gwagwalada while 100 would be performed at Kubwa General Hospitals.
He said that the surgeries in Gwagwalada would be conducted from Aug. 25 to 28 while those in Kubwa were scheduled for Aug. 27 and 28.
According to him, the exercise was specifically targeted at the very poor in the society that could not afford such services.
“We will commence eye screening in Kubwa hospital on Aug. 23 and 24 while the surgery will start on Monday 27, and last till Tuesday, 28.
“Screening is already ongoing in Gwagwala hospital; so people can walk in there and have their eyes screened,” he said.
The ophthalmologist further said the exercise was part of OSN’s annual pre-conference activities adding that it was geared toward  reducing avoidable blindness to the barest minimum.
Abu who described cataract as the commonest cause of blindness in Nigeria and the entire African continent said it could be treated through surgery when diagnosed early.
He however advised people who are 40 years and above to make it a priority to check their eyes regularly.
According to him, a lot of people get blind due to cataract and other eye diseases as a result of ignorance of having such challenge.
He further urged those with poor vision or other eye ailments to avail themselves of the free eye screening and surgery in order to address their challenges.
“We advise people from age 40 and above to have their eyes checked on time and at regular basis to ascertain if there is any eye challenge.
“This is because there are some silent eye diseases such as glaucoma that do not give any sign or symptoms.
“This can only be detected when your eyes are screened by experts,” he added. (NAN)



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Limited Information Frustrates Young Women From Using Family Planning

Image
BY CHIOMA UMEHA, Awareness and proper understanding of family planning has been recognised to reduce maternal death among young women of reproductive age between 15 and 49. Data on Sexual Reproductive Health outcomes in Nigeria stresses the importance of focusing on adolescents. At 576 maternal death per 1,000 live births, Nigeria accounts for 14 percent of the global burden of maternal mortality (NDHS 2013/WHO 2014). Global evidence shows that young girls bear a higher burden of maternal mortality and morbidity. Data shows that the average age at sexual debut is roughly 15 years of age among adolescent mothers in Nigeria. (NDHS 2003, 2008, 2013). The National adolescent fertility rate in Nigeria is 122 births per 1,000 women aged 15 to 19 years. In the North Western States, it is as high as 171 births per 1,000 women aged 15 to 19 years. To stem this, the government of Lagos State with support from partners and other donor agencies has put in place youth-friendly he
Read more

Nestle Takes Action To Promote Safe Food And Empowers Food Vendors

Image
By Umeha Ucheoma Ogun Photo:  Funmi Osineye, Manager, Nestlé Professional Nigeria, educating the participants on the use of MAGGI seasoning. The quality and cost of these items for consumers are two factors that experts advise food businesses to always take into consideration.  According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a balanced diet is important for both excellent nutrition and health, and it may also lengthen life.  A variety of chronic non-communicable diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, can be prevented by eating a balanced diet, which also strengthens muscles, improves immunity, strengthens bones, and keeps skin, teeth, and eyes healthy. Sadly, in a low-income nation like Nigeria, the caterers, food sellers, canteens, and "bukkas" that cater to this market sector do not always receive the support they require to offer wholesome, affordable meals that may guarantee that their clients receive the nutrients needed for optimum health.  However,
Read more

SDGs: FG Approves Nigeria's Alliance For Youth

Image
By Ucheoma Umeha  Ogun L to R: Akinlonu Foluso, Director Legal Services, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development; Sunday Dare, Honorable Minister of Youth and Sports Development: Shakiru Lawal, Country HR Manager, Nestlé Nigeria Plc, at the launch of Alliance for Youth Nigeria, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has signed on to the initiative as a development partner to the alliance, recently. President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed concern over Nigeria's rapidly growing population, claiming that the country is one of the few whose fertility is still increasing despite being the largest in Africa and ranking seventh globally. According to the United Nations 2022 World Population Day estimate, Nigeria's population will reach 216 million in 2022 at a pace of 3.2 percent annual growth.  According to Buhari, fertility depends on a young population, with over 72 percent of the population being under 30 years old and half of the female residents being between
Read more