FG Pledges Universal Eye Care Access, Emphasizes Strategic Partnerships at Eyeball Summit

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring every Nigerian has access to quality eye care without financial hardship. Speaking on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the Eyeball Summit in Abuja, organized by the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN), Salako emphasized the need for strategic alliances to strengthen Nigeria’s eye care system. The summit, themed “Shaping the Future of Eye Care in Nigeria: Strengthening Systems Through Strategic Alliances,” aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s goal of universal healthcare access.

Salako highlighted the rising burden of visual impairment and growing demand for eye care services, noting that the Ministry cannot tackle these challenges alone. “Through partnerships, we can pool resources, share expertise, and develop innovative solutions to bridge gaps in eye care provision,” he said. He stressed the importance of increasing awareness about regular eye check-ups, improving infrastructure, and training eye care professionals to meet evolving needs. The government, he added, is dedicated to creating an enabling environment with supportive policies and tools to enhance service delivery, particularly in underserved areas.

Dr. Obinna Awiaka, ODORBN Registrar, described the summit as a reflection of collective resolve to advance eye care through innovation, partnership, and ethical standards. He underscored the need for the sector to adapt to technological advancements and changing patient demands while maintaining excellence. “No single entity can achieve transformative change alone,” Awiaka said, echoing the summit’s theme.

The event, attended by stakeholders in the health sector, served as a platform to strategize solutions for Nigeria’s eye care challenges, including the estimated 1.1 million blind and 24 million visually impaired Nigerians, as per WHO data. Salako’s pledge to expand affordable eye care services aims to address these gaps, reinforcing the government’s broader health sector investments.