At least 500 residents of Kano State suffering from cataracts have regained their vision following a free surgical intervention by the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN) on Sunday.
Cataract, a condition that clouds the eye’s natural lens, prevents light from focusing on the retina, causing blurry or hazy vision that can lead to blindness if untreated.
The surgeries, conducted at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), formed part of OSN’s community outreach during its 49th National Scientific Conference taking place in the state.
Dr. Umar Faruk Ibrahim, a Consultant Ophthalmologist and Chair of the Local Organising Committee, said the programme aims to reduce the burden of cataract blindness in the population.
“Cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. Unlike glaucoma, which cannot be cured, cataract can be treated permanently through surgery. Once it’s removed, the patient’s sight is restored,” Ibrahim explained.
He cited a national survey which showed cataract accounts for nearly 50 per cent of blindness among Nigerians above 40 years. “That is why we are committed to these outreach programmes. We are currently performing surgeries at AKTH and Murtala Specialist Hospital, after which our scientific conference will commence,” he added.
The conference, themed Ophthalmic Education and Training, will feature knowledge exchange among eye specialists from Nigeria and abroad, with scientific papers presented on emerging trends in eye care.
In support of the outreach, Muhammad Nasir Musa, Project Manager at AHM Foundation, revealed that the organisation donated consumables worth millions of naira.
He added that the foundation plans to sustain its partnership with OSN to extend similar interventions to 26 states across the federation as part of its social responsibility.
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