The short answer
Katsina to Kaduna is a long day on the road, so eye care should be planned as one trip with everything agreed in advance. Have your sight tested in Katsina first, use a video consultation to agree the plan, travel with a relative who can stay, and allow at least two nights in Kaduna for an operation.
See eye doctors in KadunaMedically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
The road from Katsina
Travellers from Katsina usually come south through Funtua and Zaria, though some go by way of Kano and down the expressway. Which is better changes with roadworks and conditions, so ask people who have made the journey recently. Travel in daylight and break the journey if an elderly patient needs to rest.
Agree the whole plan by video
Before anyone leaves Katsina, a video consultation can settle which operation is likely, which tests are needed, and how many days to allow. Ask the doctor directly whether the examination and the operation can be on consecutive days, and what would make them postpone. Knowing this in advance means the family can arrange time off work once, not twice.
Harmattan and a healing eye
In the harmattan months the far north is dusty and dry, and dust is hard on an eye that has just had surgery. If your operation can wait a few weeks without harm, some families choose to travel outside the dustiest period. If you do go home during harmattan, wear wraparound sunglasses and the shield as advised, and keep the car windows up.
Before you head back
Do not leave Kaduna until the surgeon has seen the eye after the operation and is happy. Ask for written instructions, a supply of drops that lasts until your next review, and a phone number to use if the eye becomes painful, red or your sight worsens on the way home.
Where to be seen in Kaduna on Mezo
Request an eye appointment in Kaduna through Mezo. The care team arranges it with a consultant ophthalmologist and confirms where and when, or you can see an eye doctor by video first.
Common questions
Can I have both eyes done on the same trip from Katsina?
Usually the two eyes are done on separate occasions, a few weeks apart, so the first can heal. Ask the surgeon whether your situation allows a different plan, but expect two trips for two eyes.
What if something goes wrong after I am back in Katsina?
If you have increasing pain, worsening sight or a very red eye, go to the nearest eye emergency service the same day and call the surgeon. Do not wait to travel back to Kaduna.
Can I fly instead of driving?
After cataract surgery flying is usually fine. After retina surgery with a gas bubble you must not fly until the surgeon says the bubble has gone, so plan to travel by road.
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Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Cataract surgery. NHS. Patient information.
- Detached retina (retinal detachment). NHS. Patient information.
Links last checked 23 October 2026.
Medical disclaimer: This guide is general information and does not replace advice from your own doctor. Where your centre's instructions differ from this guide, follow theirs.