The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian has access to essential eye care services, regardless of location or financial status.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, gave the assurance on Thursday in Abuja during the Eyeball Summit organised by the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN). The summit, themed “Shaping the Future of Eye Care in Nigeria: Strengthening Systems Through Strategic Alliances,” focused on the urgent need to improve the country’s eye care system through collaboration.
Dr Salako stated that the summit’s theme aligns with the ministry’s current investment strategy in the health sector and resonates with the goals of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to provide universal access to healthcare without causing financial hardship.
“In the face of growing challenges like the increasing burden of visual impairment, the government cannot tackle eye health in isolation,” he said. “By working together, we can ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of their geographical location or economic status, has access to the eye care they need.”
The minister stressed the importance of strategic alliances, partnerships, and collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s eye care delivery system. He emphasised that solutions must include raising awareness about regular eye check-ups, improving infrastructure, and investing in human resources.
Salako also highlighted the government’s plan to support eye health practitioners through better tools, supportive policies, and professional training.
“Under this administration, we will continue to expand access to affordable eye care services, which are critical in a country where a large proportion of the population live in underserved areas,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Dr Obinna Awiaka, Registrar of ODORBN, described the summit as a reflection of the board’s commitment to innovation, partnerships, and the preservation of vision health for all Nigerians.
“In today’s rapidly changing healthcare landscape, it is essential that we, as custodians of vision health, embrace innovation while upholding the highest ethical and professional standards,” Awiaka said.
He noted that the summit underscored the fact that lasting improvements in eye care cannot be achieved by a single entity alone, but through collective effort and shared expertise.
