No fewer than 270 visually impaired persons are expected to benefit from free cataract surgeries in Nasarawa State under the Federal Government’s “Restore Vision Project”, an official has said.

The official, Dr. James Ajige, a consultant ophthalmologist at the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia, told newsmen on Friday in Lafia that the exercise would be carried out in collaboration with the state health ministry.

“The exercise has commenced with the screening of persons with cases of cataract; after the examination, those requiring surgery will undergo the process,” he said.

Urging cataract patients to avail themselves of the opportunity, he said that many people had been screened, adding that the exercise was being carried out across the three senatorial districts.

Ajige advised people with any form of visual impairment to visit the hospital, and cautioned them against resorting to self medication considering the delicate nature of the eye.

“Anyone with poor vision should go for proper medical check at the hospital to avoid complications given the sensitivity of the eye,” he counseled.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, had, on March 8, 2018, launched the “Restore Vision Project” aimed at restoring sight to 10,000 Nigerians with cataract through surgical intervention. (NAN)