No fewer than 500 residents of Kano State suffering from cataracts have had their vision restored following free surgical procedures carried out by the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN).
The life-changing intervention, which took place at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, was part of the society’s community outreach during its 49th National Scientific Conference in the state.
Cataract, a condition that clouds the lens of the eye and causes blurry or hazy vision, is the leading cause of blindness in Nigeria, accounting for nearly 50 percent of all cases, according to health experts.
Dr. Umar Faruk Ibrahim, consultant ophthalmologist and chair of the Local Organising Committee for the conference, said the outreach was designed to reduce the burden of cataracts on the population.
“Cataracts are the number one cause of blindness worldwide, but unlike glaucoma, they are completely curable with surgery,” he explained. “This outreach allows us to restore sight permanently for patients while also giving back to the community.”
The free surgeries were also supported by the AHM Foundation, which provided consumables worth millions of naira. Project Manager Muhammad Nasir Musa said the foundation plans to expand its support to cover similar services across 26 states in the country.
Grateful beneficiaries described the initiative as life-saving, praising OSN and the foundation for restoring their vision and giving them a new lease on life.
Beyond the outreach, the OSN’s scientific conference, themed “Ophthalmic Education and Training”, is expected to feature knowledge exchange among local and international experts in the field.
500 Kano Residents Regain Sight After Free Cataract Surgeries by Nigerian Eye Doctors
