THE Lagos State Government on Wednesday called on the stakeholders in the health sector to join hands to tackle the problem of glaucoma in the state and Nigeria in general.

The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr Titilayo Goncalves, made the call at a public lecture organised by the ministry to commemorate the World Glaucoma Week.

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damages the eye’s optic nerve and can result in vision loss and blindness.

The week, which is marked annually between March 11 and 15, has as its theme, “Beat Invincible Glaucoma“.

Goncalves said: “I enjoin all of us to join hands to tackle the problem of glaucoma effectively.

“We all have a part to play in the mission for sight.

“If you can provide quality care needed, you can join the advocacy of task force, subsidise funds for glaucoma patients.

“If you cannot do any of the above, you can pray for the much needed scientific breakthrough in discovering a cure for glaucoma.“

She said that studies in Nigeria had reported a low level of awareness and knowledge of glaucoma in patients as well as workers in health institutions.

According to her, the ministry is partnering with eye care professionals and deemed it fit to create public awareness on glaucoma during this global event.

“Platform like this will keep us abreast of the current trends in glaucoma management.

“With growing globalisation, especially in healthcare, it is imperative that all medical professionals, regardless of their cadre, are up-to-date with the current knowledge of clinical practice so that patients are given the quality care that they deserve.

“I seize this opportunity to encourage all, especially those above the age of 40 years to get their eyes examined yearly for early detection of glaucoma, “ Goncalves said.

Speaking as the Guest Lecturer, Prof. Adeola Onakoya, said that there was need to develop a collaborative and innovative method to tackling glaucoma.

Onakoya, a Consultant Ophthalmologist, works at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba Lagos.

“There is need for glaucoma to be an integral part at all levels of care, including the primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare.

“Also, we need to utilise a network of primary eye care providers and create a vertically and horizontally integrated eye care team.

“We need to bring sub-specialists and level of care to the rural community and remotely enhance the activities of eye care providers in the community, “ she said. (NAN)

– Mar. 13, 2019 @ 17:15 GMT |