FG vows to ensure eye care access for all Nigerians
Dr Iziaq Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, has confirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that all Nigerians have access to necessary eye care services.
He made this statement in Abuja on Thursday during the Eyeball Summit, which was hosted by the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria, ODORBN.
The News Agency of Nigeria, reported that the summit was themed: “Shaping the Future of Eye Care in Nigeria: Strengthening Systems Through Strategic Alliances.” Dr. Salako highlighted the relevance of the summit’s theme, noting its alignment with the Ministry’s current focus on strategic investments in the health sector. He emphasized that the initiative supports the overarching goal of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to provide Nigerians with accessible healthcare without financial hardship.
Addressing the rising challenges, including the increasing burden of visual impairment and the growing demand for eye care services, Dr. Salako stressed that the Ministry cannot address these issues in isolation. He underscored the importance of collaboration to ensure that all Nigerians, regardless of location or financial status, have access to necessary eye care.
He described the summit as a crucial platform for collectively strategizing and proposing concrete solutions to strengthen Nigeria’s eye care system. Dr. Salako emphasized that optimal productivity in this area requires strategic alliances, collaboration, and cooperation. Through partnerships, resources can be pooled, expertise shared, and innovative solutions developed to bridge gaps in eye care provision.
He outlined several key areas for collaboration, including raising awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations, ensuring the availability of necessary infrastructure and skilled personnel, developing eye health-friendly policies, and facilitating ongoing professional training for eye care practitioners. Dr. Salako reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing the necessary tools, policies, and a conducive environment to enable effective performance in the eye care sector. He assured that under the current administration, efforts will continue to improve access to affordable eye care services, particularly in underserved areas.
Dr. Obinna Awiaka, Registrar of the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN), reflected on the summit as a testament to the shared dedication, resilience, and ambition of stakeholders in the eye care sector. He emphasized the importance of staying ahead of the curve in an era marked by rapid technological change, shifting patient needs, and complex healthcare challenges. Dr. Awiaka highlighted that the theme of the summit underscores a fundamental truth: transformative change in eye care cannot be achieved by a single entity alone. He called for continuous evolution, embracing innovation while upholding the highest ethical and professional standards in the pursuit of excellence in eye care.
