The Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme has called for strengthened collaboration among Eye care stakeholders in the fight against glaucoma during activities marking the 2026 World Glaucoma Week, observed from Sunday, March 8 to Saturday, March 14, with the global theme “Uniting for a Glaucoma-Free World.”
Speaking during a press briefing, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Onojaeme, described glaucoma as a “silent thief of sight” that disproportionately affects people of African descent and remains the leading cause of irreversible blindness. He noted, however, that early detection and timely intervention can slow the progression of the disease and prevent blindness.
Dr Onojaeme emphasised that the theme for this year is apt, stressing that the unity of the four core eye care professional groups: Ophthalmologists (clinical heads of the eye team), Optometrists, Ophthalmic Nurses, and Opticians, is essential in tackling glaucoma effectively. He reiterated that no single profession can win the fight alone and called for sustained teamwork in service delivery and public awareness.
Also speaking, the Director of Public Health and Chairman of the Eye Health Committee, Dr C. Tetsola, announced that the committee has evolved to oversee the expanded State Eye, Ear and Sensory Functions Health Programme (SESHP) in alignment with the mandate of the National Eye, Ear and Sensory Functions Health Programme (NESHP).
He commended the initiative of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and the National Coordinator of NESHP, Dr Oteri Eme, for her dogged leadership and commitment to strengthening integrated sensory health services across the country.
He further noted that the programme brings together the leadership of all eye health professional associations in the state, including the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN), Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA), Nigerian Ophthalmic Nurses Association (NONA), and the Association of Dispensing Opticians of Nigeria (ANDO).
According to him, the unity of mind and purpose has remained Delta State’s hallmark in advancing eye health programmes over the years.
The Focal Person/Programme Manager of SESHP, Dr Gloria Mok, also underscored the importance of sustained collaboration within the eye health sector, noting that greater impact is achieved when professionals work together in harmony.
She commended health institutions where this teamwork is evident, including the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara; Asaba Specialist Hospital; Central and General Hospitals across the state; and the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba.
Dr Mok also paid tribute to the late Mrs Sandra Ikede, Chief Nursing Officer at the Hospitals Management Board and an active member of NONA, who passed on February 27, 2026, praying for the peaceful repose of her soul.
Activities marking the week-long celebration included public enlightenment campaigns, advocacy road walks, and free glaucoma screening services conducted in government hospitals and private eye clinics across the state.
