Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara urges residents to undergo glaucoma screening to prevent avoidable blindness.
The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has urged residents of the state to prioritise eye health and undergo regular screening for glaucoma in order to prevent avoidable loss of sight.
Fubara made the call in his goodwill message to mark World Glaucoma Day, observed annually on March 12, at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi, the governor described glaucoma as a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and stressed the importance of early detection.
“I encourage everyone, especially those over 40 years of age or with a family history of vision impairment, to visit any of our numerous healthcare facilities and get their eyes checked,” Fubara said.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare services across Rivers State, including programmes aimed at promoting eye health and preventing blindness.
“My administration is committed to improving healthcare in Rivers State. We will continue supporting initiatives that promote eye health and reduce preventable blindness,” he added.
Fubara also called on residents to take proactive steps in safeguarding their vision.
“Let’s unite for a glaucoma-free Rivers State. Protect your sight, it’s priceless. Happy World Glaucoma Day,” he said.
World Glaucoma Day is dedicated to raising awareness about glaucoma, a disease often referred to as the “silent thief of sight” because it can develop without noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss occurs.
Globally, glaucoma affects more than 75 million people, with nearly half of those affected unaware that they have the condition.
Health experts say early diagnosis and regular eye examinations remain the most effective ways to detect and manage the disease before permanent damage occurs.
