A recent statement by Dr. Joy Shu’aibu, Country Director of Sightsavers Nigeria, reveals a concerning statistic: two-thirds of Nigerians, both children and adults, who need glasses for clearer vision do not have access to them. This statement was made to mark World Sight Day, observed on the second Thursday of October, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of eye health and the prevention of vision impairment and blindness.

Dr. Shu’aibu emphasized that access to eye care extends beyond just glasses. Conditions like cataracts, which can affect children from birth, are prevalent, especially in rural areas where treatment is often out of reach. Currently, an estimated 1.1 billion people globally suffer from untreated or preventable vision impairment, with Nigeria reporting approximately 24 million individuals affected by vision loss in 2020. Among these, 1.3 million are blind or suffer from moderate to severe impairment due to cataracts or refractive errors.

Sightsavers advocates for enhanced access to eye health services for all age groups. Dr. Shu’aibu pointed out that vision issues are not limited to the elderly, challenging the misconception that only older adults face these problems. “Everyone, at some point, requires support for maintaining good eye health—whether it’s seeing the board in class, driving, or ensuring independence in later life,” she stated. Unfortunately, eye health remains a neglected aspect of healthcare, leading to unnecessary struggles with avoidable blindness and visual impairment.

ALSO READ: Mental Health Crisis in Nigeria Soars Amid Socioeconomic Struggles

In celebration of World Sight Day, Sightsavers is launching several initiatives under the Plateau Inclusive Eye Health Programme. This comprehensive eye health initiative will include screenings for up to 700 students, education for teachers, and the distribution of glasses. Roadshows and media campaigns will promote awareness at both state and local levels, engaging with the Ministry of Education and local health promotion officers to advocate for community action. A planned medical and surgical outreach in Quanpan, in collaboration with the state government and partners, aims to further address these pressing eye health needs.

Dr. Shu’aibu highlighted the importance of recognizing the global eye health crisis, stating, “We have made significant progress towards overcoming these challenges through the collaboration of governments, donors, NGOs, and other partners. However, more substantial changes are necessary to eliminate avoidable vision impairment.”

Globally, cataracts and uncorrected refractive errors are the leading causes of blindness and vision impairment, respectively. Addressing these issues could be achieved at a fraction of the cost of annual productivity losses caused by visual impairment. For instance, providing appropriate eyewear could potentially increase individuals’ earnings by one-third, significantly benefiting the economy. Tragically, many lack the glasses they need, and children with vision problems in low- and middle-income countries are up to five times less likely to receive formal education, hindering their future prospects.