By Justina Auta
Sightsavers has urged Nigerian leaders to prioritise investment in eye care, saying increased funding could generate 2.45 billion dollars in economic benefits for the country by 2030.
Prof. Joy Shuaibu, Country Director of Sightsavers made the appeal in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja ahead of World Sight Day celebration.
Shu’aibu said more than 24.2 million Nigerians were living with vision impairment, making stronger investment in eye health an urgent national priority.
She called on governments, donors, and the public and private sectors to integrate eye care into health systems, increase funding and expand access to quality services.
According to her, the call comes ahead of the inaugural Global Summit for Eye Health in November, where world leaders are expected to make commitments toward tackling avoidable vision impairment.
She said simple interventions, including cataract surgery and prescription glasses, could transform lives by improving education, employment and participation in society.
Shu’aibu noted that stronger eye care services would also improve productivity and accelerate progress toward universal health coverage.
She cited research by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), Seva Foundation and Fred Hollows Foundation, showing that increased investment in eye care could deliver 2.45 billion dollars in economic benefits for Nigeria by 2030.
She added that IAPB data indicated early intervention for children with vision impairment could increase their lifetime earnings by 49 per cent.
Shu’aibu said access to basic eye care could transform children’s education and future opportunities.
She, however, regretted that eye care remained overlooked in many health and development plans in spite of its proven health, social and economic benefits.
She noted that women and girls accounted for more than half of people living with visual impairment, while over 85 per cent of affected people lived in low- and middle-income countries.
“The solutions already exist. Glasses, cataract surgery and stronger eye care systems can transform lives, yet too many people still cannot access the support they need.
“The Global Summit for Eye Health is an opportunity for governments, donors, private and public sectors to turn commitments into action so more people can learn, work and participate fully in society,” she said.
Shu’aibu reaffirmed Sightsavers’ commitment to supporting governments and partners to strengthen health systems and expand access to eye care.
“We commit to work with governments and partners to strengthen health services, save and protect sight, and help more people live full, independent lives.
“This will include supporting eye health professionals, bringing services closer to communities, and ensuring vision and eye care is part of health, education, livelihood and road safety programmes,” she said.
She said Sightsavers was implementing the Focus on Clear Vision project in partnership with government and other stakeholders.
According to her, the project includes training health workers and teachers
in basic eye health screening, conducting community outreaches, providing glasses and equipment, and promoting gender- and disability-inclusive eye care.
Shu’aibu welcomed growing global attention to eye health but urged leaders to translate commitments into concrete action.
“It’s encouraging to see global leaders already supporting eye care and engaging in pre-Summit discussions.
“Momentum is building, but more effort is needed.
“The Summit is an opportunity for our leaders to prove their commitments to accessible eye care for everyone,” she said.
She disclosed that Sightsavers, in collaboration with the Kaduna, Sokoto and Zamfara State Governments, would commemorate World Sight Day with free eye screening programmes.
She said the screenings would facilitate early detection of eye conditions and link beneficiaries to appropriate treatment and care.
Shu’aibu added that the activities aligned with global efforts to make eye care accessible, available and affordable for everyone. (NAN)
Edited by Folasade Akpan
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