Plateau To Offer Free Cataract Surgeries To 100 Patients

The Plateau State Government has announced plans to provide free cataract surgeries for 100 patients as part of activities marking the 2026 World Sight Day.

The Commissioner for Health, Nicholas Ba’amlong, disclosed this on Monday in Jos during the state’s commemoration of the day, themed: “Love Your Eyes.”

Ba’amlong said the surgery programme was being carried out in partnership with Sightsavers at the Federal Medical Centre, Wase, in Wase Local Government Area.

He also announced that residents would benefit from free eye checks and screening, stressing the need for people to detect and treat eye conditions early.

According to the commissioner, eye health has far-reaching implications beyond healthcare, affecting education, employment, productivity, independence, social participation and overall quality of life.

He noted that several eye conditions could either be prevented, treated or effectively managed when patients have timely access to appropriate care.

Ba’amlong said the state government would continue to prioritise eye health by improving services and expanding access to eye care across the state.

“We will continue to support the integration of eye health into the wider health system, strengthen treatment pathways, promote community awareness and encourage early detection and treatment of eye conditions,” he said.

He added that the government would pay particular attention to residents in underserved and hard-to-reach communities.

“Our goal must be an eye health system where every person, regardless of age, gender, location or economic circumstances, has the opportunity to receive appropriate eye care,” he said.

The commissioner called for greater cooperation between government agencies, non-governmental organisations, healthcare professionals, traditional and religious institutions, community groups and other stakeholders to strengthen eye-health services.

He also encouraged residents to take greater responsibility for their eye health by undergoing regular checks and seeking professional medical attention whenever they experience changes in their vision.

Ba’amlong urged community leaders, teachers and religious leaders to help spread accurate information about eye health and discourage practices that could put people’s sight at risk.

“Most importantly, let us not wait until a vision problem becomes severe before seeking help,” he said.

He commended eye-care professionals and other healthcare workers for their commitment to providing services, urging them to maintain compassionate and quality care.

World Sight Day is observed globally on October 8 to promote awareness of preventable causes of vision impairment and blindness and encourage access to eye-care services.