Gladness Gideon
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to quality eye care services for all Nigerians, regardless of location or socio-economic status. This assurance was given by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, during the Eyeball Summit held on Thursday in Abuja.
The summit, organised by the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN), convened key stakeholders in the eye care sector under the theme, “Shaping the Future of Eye Care in Nigeria: Strengthening Systems Through Strategic Alliances.”
Dr. Salako highlighted the importance of the summit’s theme, describing it as timely and reflective of the government’s broader health sector strategy under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He emphasized that ensuring access to comprehensive eye care is integral to achieving universal health coverage and improving overall national health outcomes.
“In confronting the growing burden of visual impairment and increasing demand for eye care services, we cannot work in silos,” he stated. “Strategic alliances are crucial for bridging gaps, sharing expertise, and driving innovation in service delivery.”
Salako outlined the government’s plan to raise awareness on the importance of regular eye examinations, bolster infrastructure development, and enhance human resource capacity in the sector. He further noted the importance of supporting policies that are friendly to eye health and ensuring continuous professional development for practitioners.
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“We are dedicated to creating an environment where eye health professionals are equipped with the necessary tools, policies, and support systems to serve effectively,” Salako added.
The Minister also reiterated the administration’s pledge to extend affordable eye care services to underserved communities, underscoring equity as a guiding principle in healthcare delivery.
In his remarks, Dr. Obinna Awiaka, Registrar of ODORBN, said the summit symbolised the profession’s collective drive toward excellence and innovation in vision care. He called for continuous evolution in practice to meet shifting patient needs and technological advancements while maintaining ethical and professional standards.
“No single organisation can singlehandedly transform the eye care landscape,” Awiaka remarked. “Our shared vision demands collaboration, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to preserving the gift of sight for every Nigerian.”
The Eyeball Summit served as a rallying point for key players in the sector to craft sustainable strategies aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s eye care system through cooperation, resource sharing, and policy reform.