By Anan Geolengs
Stakeholders have urged Nigerian leaders to accelerate investment in eye care to generate billions in economic benefits.
Findings from 2020 showed that over 24.2 million people were living with vision impairment in Nigeria, yet increased investment could generate 2.45 billion U.S. dollars in economic benefits for the country.
The call was made by international development organisation Sightsavers to commemorate World Sight Day, marked annually on Oct. 8.
The organisation called on government, donors, and private and public sectors in Nigeria to integrate eye care into health systems, boost investment and service access.
It said this would help ensure everyone can access the care they need to thrive.
The call comes ahead of the inaugural Global Summit for Eye Health scheduled for November.
The summit will be hosted by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB).
It will bring together global leaders to secure commitments that support people with avoidable vision impairment, including cataract and refractive errors.
According to Sightsavers, interventions such as cataract surgery and glasses can transform lives.
It said access to eye care helps children learn, increases employment opportunities and enables people to participate more fully in society.
It added that it also boosts economic productivity and progress towards universal health coverage.
Sightsavers noted that improving eye care is a health imperative, but also an economic opportunity.
It cited research from IAPB, Seva Foundation and Fred Hollows Foundation, which estimates that if Nigeria increases investment in eye care by 2030, it could generate 2.45 billion dollars in economic benefits.
It added that IAPB data also showed that early intervention in child vision impairment in the country could increase a child’s lifetime earnings by 49 per cent.
It said the impact of access to eye care is seen through the story of Favour from Kebbi State, who struggled to see the board at school.
“At an eye health screening supported by Sightsavers, Favour was diagnosed with refractive error and provided with glasses.
“Reflecting on the change in her daughter, Favour’s mother said: ‘She’s seeing clearly, and now she can identify letters. I was very, very happy knowing that now…she can study very well’,” the organisation said.
Sightsavers said in spite of the proven benefits, eye care remains overlooked in many health and development plans, particularly among communities disproportionately affected by vision issues.
It said more than 85 per cent of people with vision impairment live in low and middle income countries, adding that women and girls account for more than half of people living with visual impairment.
Prof. Joy Shu’aibu, Country Director at Sightsavers, said the solutions already exist.
“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 said Sightsavers is committed to working with governments and partners to strengthen health services, save and protect sight, and help more people live full, independent lives.
She said 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 Sightsavers is already working with government and other partners in Nigeria, including on the ‘Focus on clear vision’ project.
According to her, project activities include training health workers and teachers in basic eye health screening, community outreach, provision of glasses and equipment, as well as gender and disability inclusion training.
“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,” Shu’aibu said.
She added that Sightsavers, in collaboration with the Kaduna, Zamfara and Sokoto state governments, is also marking World Sight Day with free eye screenings.
Shu’aibu said the screenings will help identify eye conditions early and connect people with appropriate eye care services.
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