Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) has commenced collation of data from a new treatment procedure for Glaucoma, using a machine called Diode Laser to ascertain it’s effectiveness.
Dr Sadiq Hassan, a consultant Ophthalmologist at the hospital said this is one of the many researches taking place at the department.
According to him, the Diode laser treatment for Glaucoma started last year saying that we are presently taking data to see its effectiveness.
“It’s a relatively new method for treating people with Glaucoma. Glaucoma is number two cause of blindness worldwide and number one cause of irreversible blindness ” he added
He said, another ongoing research has to do with Retinoblastoma known as childhood eye cancer which is predominant among the Fulani clan saying that this disease is either hereditary (genetic) or sporadic.
“We are collaborating with London School of hygiene and tropical diseases on this. The collaboration came about when we presented 2 papers at a conference in Spain 2 years ago” he said
On challenges being faced by Opthalmologist at the centre, Dr Hassan said ” dearth of equipment is a big issue, some time patients have to be referred abroad, not that we don’t have the man power but the equipment”
“The management are doing their best to get us some of this equipment as every year they are budgeted for. We would do better with them available” he added
