Lagos State Plans Conversion Of General Hospital Into Specialized Eye Centre

Lagos State Plans Conversion Of General Hospital Into Specialized Eye Centre

The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, announced plans by the state government to convert one of its general hospitals into a specialized ophthalmic centre. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of eye care services for patients with various eye conditions in Lagos and across Nigeria.

Speaking at the fourth Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Africa Retina Society in Lagos, themed “Upscaling Retinal Services in a Resource-Constrained Economy,” Abayomi emphasized that the new centre will offer state-of-the-art diagnostic, medical, surgical, and ophthalmic services.

He highlighted the state’s commitment to prioritizing eye health and expanding screening capabilities in primary healthcare facilities to detect eye diseases early. Abayomi underscored the influence of prevalent community health issues such as hypertension, diabetes, sickle cell disease, and trauma on eye conditions, emphasizing the need to address these factors comprehensively.

Furthermore, the commissioner outlined efforts to introduce eye screening programs in schools, beginning with teacher training to identify students with vision challenges. He also discussed plans to utilize social health insurance to facilitate screening, detection, and treatment of eye diseases at health facilities.

Abayomi acknowledged a partnership between the Lagos State Ministry of Health and the Chagoury Group to establish a specialized eye hospital in Lagos. This collaboration aims to improve access to critical eye care services and reduce dependency on medical tourism.

In support of integrating eye screening into diabetes care, Prof. Linda Visser from Stellenbosch University, South Africa, advocated for policy initiatives to address diabetic retinopathy, a growing concern among Africans. She emphasized the importance of early detection and timely treatment to prevent vision loss.

Dr. Asiwome Seneadza, Chairman of the Africa Retina Society, emphasized the need for improved diabetes care and regular retinal screening across the continent. Prof. Bassey Fiebai, Chairman of the Vitreo Retinal Society of Nigeria, highlighted the challenges in providing retina care due to limited specialists and underscored the government’s role in funding, training, and equipping personnel to enhance eye care services nationwide.

The conference, which convened participants from various African countries, aimed to address challenges and enhance the delivery of advanced retinal care in low- to middle-income countries.