Dearth of ophthalmologists, nurses hindering treatment of glaucoma–Expert

Glaucoma
By Olayinka Owolewa
Ilorin, March 15, 2018 (NAN) An eye specialist,  Dr  Taoheed Abdullahi, says Nigeria does not have enough ophthalmologists and ophthalmic nurses to cope with  the huge number of  patients with glaucoma.

Abdullahi said this on Thursday in Ilorin while speaking with  newsmen as Nigeria marks  World Glaucoma Week.

The expert, who described glaucoma as an  irreversible cause of blindness, stressed  the need to employ more ophthalmologists and provide necessary health facilities in  the country’s healthcare centres for the treatment of eye diseases.

The specialist also  called for regular eye screening to detect glaucoma at an early stage, saying the disease  is hereditary.

According to him,  a free eye screening initiative  is ongoing  at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Sobi Specialist Hospital and the Civil Service Clinic, all in Ilorin.

He  urged residents of the state  to seize the opportunity to ascertain  the status of  their eyes. (NAN)
OOH/ESAN/OJO
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(Edited by Abiodun Esan/Mufutau Ojo)