The Kaduna government says it has targeted 1,000 vision-impaired persons for free eye-care services in the state.
The exercise, which began on Wednesday, is being implemented in collaboration with the Kaduna Ministry of Health and Sightsavers, a development partner.
The free eye-screening outreach formed part of activities to mark the 2026 World Sight Day in the state. The theme of the day is “Love Your Eyes, because of the importance of the eyes to humanity.”
Barbara Marok, Programme Officer for Eye Health at Sightsavers, stated this at the inauguration of the exercise at Gonin Gora community and the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) on Wednesday in Kaduna.
He said the exercise would be conducted in communities to reach the people and workers in government establishments.
Marok said the outreach was designed to create awareness of the importance of eye health and encourage early detection of eye problems.
He added that the organisation selected different communities for the outreach to mobilise participation and ensure wider coverage in the eye-screening exercise.
Dr Stanley Bulus, an ophthalmologist, said the exercise targeted between 500 and 1,000 persons in the Gonin Gora community.
He said the team comprised ophthalmologists, ophthalmic nurses, optometrists and other supporting personnel, adding that the response from residents had been impressive.
Bulus, a lecturer at the Kaduna State University (KASU), listed some of the common eye conditions identified during the exercise, including cataract, glaucoma, eye infections, presbyopia and allergic conjunctivitis.
“Cataract is a reversible cause of blindness, while glaucoma could cause irreversible loss of vision if not detected and managed early.
“Eye care is something that we need to take seriously,” he said.
Bulus urged the people to take eye health seriously and undergo regular screening, noting that some eye conditions could develop without obvious symptoms.
Also, John Sarki, Chief of the Gonin Gora community, lauded the gesture, adding that it would improve eye health.
He said he was screened and received drugs and glasses during the exercise.
A beneficiary, Victoria Musa, said she presented her mother, who has severe vision impairment, for treatment.
Musa said the patient received eyeglasses to correct blurry vision and was referred for surgery.
Another beneficiary, Revelation Adamu, said he received eye drops and was also referred to Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital if his condition did not improve.
“The services are free of charge; the intervention is commendable,” he said.
