The Ophthalmic Society of Nigeria (OSN) has concluded its 49th Scientific Conference and 50th anniversary celebration in Kano, with participants resolving to strengthen ophthalmic education and training in the country.
The four-day event, themed “Ophthalmic Education and Training,” brought together experts, policymakers, and practitioners from across Nigeria.
President of the Society, Dr. Abiola Oyeleye, said the theme reflected the need for continuous learning and knowledge sharing among ophthalmologists.
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“This gathering served as an avenue where we learned from one another, because nobody has the monopoly of knowledge,” Oyeleye stated.
He noted that cataracts remain the leading cause of blindness in Nigeria, while glaucoma continues to pose a major challenge that can only be managed effectively through early detection.
As part of the conference activities, more than 400 patients received free treatment and surgeries at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) and Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, where 31 different eye cases were handled. The Society also inducted 48 new members, bringing its total membership nationwide to over 700.
Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Dr. Umar Farouk Ibrahim, described the Kano conference as a milestone.
“The state benefited not only from the free medical outreach but also from the economic boost brought by the influx of participants. This was the first time Kano hosted the OSN conference, and it was a huge success,” he said.
Jigawa State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Muhammad Abdullahi Kainuwa, who represented Governor Umar Namadi, commended the Society’s role in tackling avoidable blindness. He said Jigawa had invested in equipping health centres and hospitals with facilities to address eye conditions while partnering with foundations and hospitals to provide surgeries and glasses.
Some of the newly inducted members expressed delight at joining the professional body. Dr. James Ojile from Benue praised Kano’s hospitality, while Dr. Lateefat Temitope Oshunkoya from Ogun State described her induction as “the successful end of a challenging journey.”
The conference ended with a renewed commitment to advancing ophthalmic education, improving eye health services, and reducing avoidable blindness across Nigeria.
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