Kaduna Offers Free Eye Checks To 1,000 Residents

(Residents of Gonin-Gora during the eye screening exercise on Thursday. Photo credit: Godwin Isenyo)

The Kaduna State Government, working with Sightsavers and other partners, has started a free eye screening exercise aimed at 1,000 residents across the state.

The first outreach took place on Thursday at Gonin-Gora in Chikun Local Government Area to mark the 2026 World Sight Day, themed Love Your Eyes.

Consultant Ophthalmologist and Kaduna State University lecturer Dr Stanley Bulus warned residents about glaucoma, which he called a silent thief of sight.

He said it creeps in quietly, and people who skip screening may be found out too late for doctors to help much.

Catching it early means treatment and a chance to keep your sight.

He said the exercise is meant to find eye problems early and give treatment or referrals.

Common cases found so far include cataract, glaucoma, eye infections, presbyopia and allergic conjunctivitis.

Between 500 and 700 people are expected at Gonin-Gora, while other outreaches will help the state reach its 1,000 target.

He thanked the community for turning up in large numbers.

Vice Chairman of the Kaduna State Eye Health Committee, Dr Fatima Mahmud, urged people to check their eyes at least once a year, since some serious conditions come with no pain or clear signs.

She said the state eye health programme has trained community eye health workers to spot people who need care and link them to health facilities.

Sightsavers Programme Officer Barbara Anang Marok said the day is meant to raise awareness and make eye care easier to reach, and that screening is a simple way to prevent problems.

The District Head of Gonin-Gora, John Yusuf Sarki, was also screened and got glasses and medicine.

He praised the organisers for bringing the service to the community.

The day also included a road walk to raise awareness, attended by health workers, eye specialists and partners.