According to Professor Jesse Uneke, Vice Chancellor of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, approximately 24 million Nigerians are currently living with sight loss. This revelation was made during the unveiling of the university’s Free Eye Care Initiative and Eye Research Programme at the Institute for Eye Health and Visual Sciences Research in Ebonyi State.

Citing the Nigeria National Blindness and Visual Impairment Survey, Professor Uneke noted that about 4.2% of Nigerians over 40 years old are blind, while an estimated 4.25 million adults in the same age group suffer from moderate to severe visual impairment. The survey also indicates that 84% of blindness cases in Nigeria are due to preventable causes, emphasizing the need for regular eye checks, public awareness, and affordable treatment.

The primary causes of visual impairment in Nigeria are cataracts and uncorrected refractive errors, although other conditions such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy also pose significant challenges. Limited access to basic eye care in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria exacerbates the burden of sight loss, particularly for rural dwellers.

To address this issue, the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, with support from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, has established an ultramodern eye center and research institute. The facility aligns with the World Health Organization’s SPECS 2030 initiative, aiming to expand access to quality, affordable refractive error services globally. The eye center’s primary objectives include enhancing accessibility to eye services in rural communities, increasing awareness of regular eye examinations, and providing affordable solutions for the less privileged.

The university’s efforts are part of a broader strategy to strengthen training, research, and community health programs, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The ultimate goal is to reverse medical and educational tourism by advancing scientific research, training, and community service. By providing accessible and affordable eye care services, the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences aims to make a significant impact on the lives of millions of Nigerians living with sight loss.