Sightsavers has urged the Nigerian government, donors and private-sector stakeholders to increase investment in eye care, saying improved services could generate about $2.45 billion in economic benefits for the country by 2030.
The organisation made the call to mark World Sight Day, observed on October 8, noting that more than 24.2 million Nigerians were living with vision impairment in 2020.
Country Director of Sightsavers, Prof. Joy Shu’aibu, said greater access to eye care would not only protect sight but also improve education, employment and economic productivity.
“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,” Shu’aibu said.
She called for eye care to be integrated into Nigeria’s health, education, livelihood and road safety programmes, while urging stronger support for eye health professionals and services in underserved communities.
According to the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), early intervention for childhood vision impairment in Nigeria could increase a child’s lifetime earnings by 49 per cent.
Sightsavers is currently working with governments and partners in Nigeria on eye health initiatives, including the “Focus on Clear Vision” project, which provides training for health workers and teachers, community outreach, glasses and equipment.
The organisation, in collaboration with the Kaduna, Zamfara and Sokoto state governments, is also conducting free eye screenings to identify eye conditions early and link affected persons to appropriate care.
The call comes ahead of the inaugural Global Summit for Eye Health, scheduled for November in Antigua and Barbuda, where global leaders are expected to discuss commitments to improving access to eye care and addressing avoidable vision impairment.
