In observance of World Glaucoma Week 2025, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) organized an enlightening health-talk and awareness campaign to educate the public on glaucoma prevention and early detection.
The event was held at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) office in Sokoto and aimed to emphasize the importance of eye health and proactive care.
The gathering featured impactful remarks by Dr. Mustapha Bature, Head of the Department of Ophthalmology at UDUTH, and Dr. Ibrahim Yusuf, Senior Registrar in the same department.
Dr. Bature underscored the critical need for early diagnosis in preventing irreversible vision loss due to glaucoma. He highlighted that glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness worldwide, with no possibility of restoring sight once lost. “Early detection and treatment are vital. Regular eye checks can help individuals preserve their vision and improve their quality of life,” he said.
Dr. Bature further pointed out the broader societal and economic consequences of glaucoma-related blindness. “Vision is essential for personal well-being, economic productivity, and overall health,” he noted, stressing the importance of raising awareness about the disease.
Dr. Yusuf also emphasized the importance of regular eye exams and preventive care, encouraging NUJ members and the public to take proactive steps to protect their vision. He called for consistent efforts in advocating for eye health.
The session, part of UDUTH’s efforts to mark World Glaucoma Week, also included eye examinations for NUJ Council members, some of whom were provided with reading glasses, while others received eye care drops.
Usman Binji, Chairman of the NUJ Sokoto State Council, expressed gratitude for the experts’ visit and their dedication to eye health advocacy. He thanked the medical team for conducting eye exams and praised their efforts in spreading awareness.
The event served as an important reminder of the urgent need to address glaucoma through early intervention, helping to reduce the burden of preventable blindness in society.
