Ophthalmologists Target 500 Vulnerable Nigerians With Free Cataract Surgeries
By Alice Etuka, Abuja
The Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN) has organised free cataract surgeries for 500 vulnerable people in a build up to its 51st Annual General Meeting and Annual Scientific Conference in Abuja.
President of the Society, Dr. Mrs. Gloria Patrick-Ferife announced this at a press briefing heralding the event in Abuja on Tuesday.
Patrick-Ferife who was represented by the Vice President of OSN, Prof. Abubakar Rafindadi lamented that over two (2) million Nigerians were plagued with preventable blindness as a result of cataract, hence the decision to embark on the outreach.
She noted that the theme of this year’s conference, “Reimagining Eye Care in the Digital Era” was both timely and urgent:
“Across the global health care landscape, digital transformation is redefining what is possible, from artificial intelligence, diagnostics, and teleophthalmology, to portable digital perimetry and electronic health infrastructure.
“Technology offers unprecedented tools to bridge gaps in clinical delivery. As a society, we must aggressively explore how these advances can be localized, scaled, and integrated to dismantle barriers of cost, geography, and human resource shortages that continue to impede optimal vision care in our country”, she said.
According to her, the Society strongly believes that scientific advancement must translate to immediate life-changing relief for the most vulnerable.
“Accordingly, our main scientific proceedings will be preceded by robust pre-conference activities, including intensive capacity-building workshops and a major humanitarian surgical outreach camp.
“The surgical outreach camp will commence tomorrow and conclude on Friday, 27-28 August 2026, and if need be, may spill over to 29 August 2026.
“We intend to carry out over 500 free cataract surgeries in a bid and quest to eliminate avoidable blindness in our community. There will also be comprehensive eye screenings where every patient will be evaluated and will go through comprehensive eye examinations and need necessary prescription glasses and medications where indicated. This underscores our holistic philosophy, driving high-level academic discourse while rolling out sleeves to serve those who need us most”, she said.
Patrick-Ferife noted that the burden of visual impairment and preventable blindness remained a significant public health challenge, yet the OSN was fully equipped to confront it through innovation, collaboration, and unwavering dedication.
“We are proud to host this flagship annual event in Abuja, the heart of our nation, from the 2nd to 4th of September 2026 at the Nigerian Army Conference Center and Suites in Asokoro, which will become a vibrant hub of clinical innovation, medical debate, and strategic networking”, she concluded.
