) Dr Inyang Asibong, the Cross River Commissioner for Health on Thursday said that over 8,000 residents have benefitted from the state government’s free eye tests and surgeries since 2015.

.Asibong disclosed this in Calabar during an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the state General Hospital where free eye surgeries and tests are being carried out in the ongoing glaucoma week.

She told NAN that the beneficiaries came in from the 18 local government areas across the state due to the sustained awareness of the glaucoma week.

She said that the specialists were drawn from the State Ministry of Health and the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital to handle the cases.

She explained that glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve, which is basically the structure that relays what the eye sees to the brain.

According to her, if left untreated, continued damage to the structure may lead to visual field defects.

“Since 2015 when Gov. Ben Ayade assumed office, over 8,000 patients have so far benefitted from the free eye tests and surgeries offered by the state government.

“In Nigeria, no fewer than 1.8 million people of over 40 years of age suffer from glaucoma with almost 360,000 of them blind in both eyes.

“As a state that places premium on health, we are doing our best to manage the eye problems of the young and old.

“The Cross River Government has a free eye care programme at the General Hospital, Calabar, were eye surgeries and tests including cataract are carried out,’’ the commissioner said.

She advised those with eye problems to visit the Cross River Eyecare Programme at the College of Health Technology, Calabar to update their status and get the necessary treatments and medications. (NAN)

– Mar. 14, 2019 @ 11:20 GMT |