By Mercy Gadia
The Federal Government has said it will expand its eye care programme, Jigi-Bola 2.0, to reach at least five million Nigerians with free spectacles and 25,000 cataract surgeries by 2027.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, disclosed this on Thursday while declaring open the 49th Annual National Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Optometric Association and the Annual General Meeting of the African Council of Optometry.
The event, held in Abuja, had the theme, “Optometrists in a Changing Africa: From Diversity to Unity.”
Salako said the initiative, which is part of the Renewed Hope Health Connect Programme, is aimed at expanding access to quality eye care services, reducing avoidable blindness and improving productivity across the country.
He noted that eye health has become a major priority under the current administration, adding that the government is strengthening primary eye care through deliberate investments and policies.
According to him, over 2,220 primary healthcare workers across 16 states have been trained under the Effective Spectacle Coverage Initiative to conduct vision screening and refer patients for further care.
He added that the mobile eye care programme had screened nearly two million Nigerians and provided more than 1.3 million free reading glasses, with about 66 per cent of beneficiaries receiving spectacles for the first time.
The minister said, “Studies have shown that for every one dollar invested in global eye care, there is a return of between 28 and 36 dollars through improved productivity, reduced healthcare burden and better quality of life.”
He stressed that improved eye care services would enhance education outcomes, promote social inclusion and boost economic development.
Salako also highlighted achievements under the National Eye Health Strategic Development Plan (2024–2028), including the integration of eye care services into all levels of healthcare and the development of the Nigeria Glaucoma Guidelines and Toolkit.
He said ophthalmologists from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory had been trained to strengthen glaucoma management nationwide.
The minister described optometrists as critical to community eye health, noting that they play a key role in bridging the gap between primary screening and specialised care.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with the Nigerian Optometric Association to strengthen community-based programmes and promote research in the sector.
“As we look ahead, the Ministry remains committed to integrating grassroots eye care programmes into the national health system and working closely with professionals to achieve universal eye health,” he said.
Salako also commended the Nigerian Optometric Association for securing the headquarters of the African Council of Optometry in Nigeria and producing the president-elect of the continental body.
He urged practitioners to maintain professional standards, mentor younger colleagues and support government efforts to improve access to eye care services.
The minister expressed optimism that the conference would provide practical solutions to addressing vision loss challenges in Nigeria and across Africa.If you want, I can tighten the headline further, add subhead (deck), or convert this into a broadcast script.