Cataracts cause over 2 million Nigerians to suffer avoidable blindness, ophthalmologist warns

Abubakar Rafindadi, vice-president of the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN), highlighted a persistent challenge: over two million Nigerians live with avoidable blindness, largely caused by cataracts. He stated that despite current efforts, the country has not achieved the necessary cataract surgical rates to make a significant impact.

"We are still fighting a heavy burden of avoidable blindness, with over two million people having avoidable blindness, mainly cataracts, despite the efforts we are making. We are not matching the required cataract surgical rates that we need," Rafindadi said during a press briefing ahead of the OSN's annual conference.

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We are still fighting a heavy burden of avoidable blindness, with over two million people having avoidable blindness, mainly cataracts, despite the efforts we are making. We are not matching the required cataract surgical rates that we need.

However, Rafindadi also pointed to advancements in ophthalmic care. The establishment of simulation centers in Lagos and Ibadan aims to enhance surgeons' skills in complex procedures. Furthermore, eye care integration into primary healthcare has expanded, with 21 states now participating and over 2,500 healthcare workers trained.

The OSN is exploring technological solutions like tele-screening and artificial intelligence to extend eye care services to rural and underserved urban populations. Improvements in the availability of ophthalmic equipment and advanced surgical services are also noted, with posterior segment surgeries now offered in several locations where they were previously unavailable.

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We are trying to see how we can adopt the new technological innovations to reach the rural populace and also the underserved populace within the metropolis. We are looking at how we can use technology to bridge these gaps through things like tele-screening, artificial intelligence technology, and so on.