World Glaucoma Week

The theme for 2013 World Glaucoma Week was “The world is a wonder to see every day – so don’t let glaucoma get in the way”.

As per the experts, Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness. It is a complicated disease that damages the optic nerve, leading to progressive, irreversible vision loss.  It can be avoided by early detection and timely treatment or surgery.

The aim for the World Glaucoma Week celebration at TCF was to spread awareness about Glaucoma and identify it at an early stage.

Cross River State – Calabar Eye Centre

Community Awareness Program at Etukwang Village, Cross River State

In Cross River State in Obudu Local Government at Etukwang village an awareness campaign was organised. It was a joint effort of TCF and Health Supervisor and Primary Health Care Coordinator of Local Government.

During the awareness meeting TCF outreach team from Calabar conducted a Glaucoma Screening Camp. 147 patients were screened and 17 patients were selected for Cataract Surgeries and referred 12 glaucoma suspected patients to our Eye Centre in Calabar for further evaluation and treatment.

In addition, Dr. Shreedhar at Calabar Eye Centre performed Glaucoma Surgery (Trab) for 6 patients during the week.

Katsina State – Katsina Eye Centre

During the week, at the Katsina Eye Centre 47 patients were screened for Glaucoma and 4 patients were selected for Glaucoma surgery.

Alh. Naldo Yusuf Sarkin Sudan, Emirate of Daura addressing the gathering 

at Katsina Eye Centre

The Katsina Eye Centre also organised an awareness meeting that was attended by more than 100 people.  Special guests were invited for the program. The guests list includes Dr. Lawal Galdima Musa, - Representative of Hon. Speaker of Katsina State Assembly, Alh. Naldo Yusu Sarkin Sudan, Emirate of Daura – Representative of Daura Emirate and Dr. Ado – Katsina State Hospitals Services Management Board – Representing MoH.

    

Kebbi State – Hafsat Eye Centre

Birnin Kebbi Eye Centre organised a series of awareness programs on Glaucoma. The awareness program was initiated at the Hafsat Eye Centre, 200 people participated in the program.

A session at the School of Nursing was organised to enable students to detect Glaucoma at an early stage, 80 nursing students participated in the program.

Dr. Sanjay Mahadik addressing the students at School of Nursing 

The conclusion ceremony of World Glaucoma Week was undertaken at a polytechnic with 120 students from post graduate diploma in business management.

Dr. Sanjay Mahadik attended a TV show to share tips to detect Glaucoma at an early stage.