Fubara delivered the message on Thursday at the Government House in Port Harcourt, marking World Glaucoma Day, in a statement shared by his media aide, Onwuka Nzeshi. He described glaucoma as a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and emphasized the importance of proactive eye care.
“I encourage everyone, especially those over 40 years of age or with a family history of vision impairment, to visit any of our numerous healthcare facilities and get their eyes checked,” Fubara said. “My administration is committed to improving healthcare in Rivers State. We’ll continue supporting initiatives that promote eye health and reduce preventable blindness. Let’s unite for a glaucoma-free Rivers State. Protect your sight, it’s priceless. Happy World Glaucoma Day.”
According to Nzeshi, World Glaucoma Day, observed annually on March 12, aims to raise awareness about the disease, often called the “silent thief of sight” because it can progress without noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss occurs. Glaucoma affects over 75 million people globally, with nearly half unaware they have the condition.
The governor’s call aligns with ongoing efforts to promote preventive healthcare in the state, encouraging residents to take timely action to safeguard their vision.