The Lagos State Government on Tuesday took its glaucoma awareness campaign to the State Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja, with a “Walk for Sight” to mark the 2026 World Glaucoma Week.
The awareness walk put together by the Ministry of Health, moved through several Ministries, Departments and Agencies within the Secretariat to sensitise workers and visitors on the dangers of glaucoma and the importance of early detection through routine eye checks.
During the walk, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide, who described glaucoma as a “silent thief of sight,” noted that many people live with the condition unknowingly until irreversible damage occur.
She advised Lagos residents, particularly those with a family history of glaucoma, to undergo regular eye checks.
“Civil servants can access free eye care services at the Blindness Prevention Programme Unit at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic, while members of the public can visit General Hospitals and selected Primary Health Centres across the state for screening and treatment”. Lajide said
On her part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Mrs. Olayinka Modupe – Ojo, described glaucoma as a dangerous condition that progressed unnoticed until significant damage has been done.
Ojo encouraged public servants to take advantage of government-supported eye screening programmes and adopt healthy lifestyles that support long-term eye health.
” Ministries and Departments should disseminate information about the screening initiatives to staff and their families”. She advised
The Director, Medical Administration, Training and Programmes, Dr. Mazeedat Erinosho, said glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness globally after cataract and that the risk increases after the age of 40.
She explained that as part of activities marking World Glaucoma Week, the Ministry has planned an eye screening outreach at the Sunday Market in Ogba to expand access to eye care services for residents.
Chairperson of the Nigerian Optometric Association, Lagos Chapter, Dr. Gloria Okoekhian-Ogulu, emphasised that people of African descent have a higher genetic risk of glaucoma, stressing that early detection and adherence to treatment remain key to preventing blindness.
“While glaucoma may not always be preventable, blindness resulting from the condition can be avoided through early detection, proper treatment and strict compliance with medical advice”. she explained
The World Glaucoma Week campaign is a global initiative aimed at increasing awareness about glaucoma, promotes early diagnosis and encourage individuals to be intentional at protecting their vision.