Sightsavers Advocates for Improved Eye Health Services on World Sight Day

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

In celebration of World Sight Day, Sightsavers, an international development organization, is emphasizing the importance of accessible eye health services for all, from children to the elderly. Contrary to popular belief, vision problems affect not only the elderly but also children, as many struggle with avoidable blindness and vision impairments due to a lack of access to necessary eye care.

Dr. Joy Shu’aibu, Country Director for Sightsavers Nigeria, in a statement highlighted the alarming statistics, noting that two-thirds of individuals requiring glasses, both adults and children, do not have access to them. Additionally, conditions like cataracts, which can affect children from birth, remain untreated in many rural communities due to a lack of resources. In Nigeria, 24 million people suffer from vision loss, and 1.3 million are either blind or have severe vision impairment.

This year, Sightsavers is supporting several initiatives under the Plateau Inclusive Eye Health Programme. These activities include screenings for 700 pupils, eye health education for teachers, and the provision of glasses in Jos and Shendam. Sightsavers will also conduct roadshows and media engagements to raise awareness, alongside a medical outreach in Quanpan, in partnership with the state government.

While the organization celebrates the progress made with governments and other partners, Dr. Shu’aibu stressed the need for more significant efforts to prevent vision impairment, especially when simple solutions like glasses can increase a person’s earnings by one-third, boosting the economy.

Dr. Shu’aibu further shared the transformative story of Rabiatu, a four-year-old from Zamfara, who underwent successful cataract surgery and can now see clearly. This highlights the life-changing impact of accessible eye health services.

Globally, people are participating in the #EyeCreation social media campaign to advocate for greater eye health equity by creating eye shapes with colleagues and friends to symbolize the need for change.