Ahead of World Sight Day on October 8, Sightsavers has urged the Nigerian government and stakeholders to invest more in eye care, highlighting the country's potential to unlock $2.45 billion in economic benefits by 2030. According to Sightsavers, over 24.2 million Nigerians lived with vision impairment in 2020, making eye care a public health priority and an important economic and social development issue. The organization emphasized the need for stronger integration of eye-care services into Nigeria's health system.
Sightsavers' call for action comes as the organization prepares for the inaugural Global Summit for Eye Health in Antigua and Barbuda, scheduled for November. The summit aims to bring together global leaders and stakeholders to secure commitments to expand access to eye care, particularly for people living with avoidable vision impairment. Sightsavers noted that improved access to basic interventions, such as spectacles and cataract surgery, could significantly change the lives of millions of Nigerians while strengthening productivity and supporting progress towards universal health coverage.
Research by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, Seva Foundation, and Fred Hollows Foundation estimates that increased investment in eye care in Nigeria by 2030 could generate $2.45 billion in economic benefits. Additionally, data from IAPB indicates that early intervention for childhood vision impairment in Nigeria could increase a child's lifetime earnings by 49 percent. Sightsavers shared the story of Favour from Kebbi State, who benefited from an eye-health screening and was provided with glasses, highlighting the positive impact of simple eye-care interventions on education and future opportunities.
According to Sightsavers, over 85 percent of people living with vision impairment globally are in low- and middle-income countries, while women and girls account for more than half of people living with visual impairment. Prof Joy Shu'aibu, Country Director at Sightsavers, emphasized Nigeria's opportunity to translate existing knowledge and available interventions into broader access to eye care. Shu'aibu stressed the need for governments, donors, and private and public sectors to turn commitments into action to ensure more people can access eye care services.
Sightsavers is already working with government institutions and partners in Nigeria through initiatives such as the 'Focus on clear vision' project, which includes training health workers and teachers in basic eye-health screening, community outreach, and provision of glasses and equipment. The organization is also conducting free eye screenings in Kaduna, Zamfara, and Sokoto states as part of activities marking World Sight Day. These screenings aim to identify eye conditions early and connect people with appropriate eye-care services.
The Global Summit for Eye Health is an opportunity for governments, donors, and private and public sectors to commit to practical action on eye health. Sightsavers welcomes growing international attention to eye health but stresses the need to convert commitments into practical interventions. The organization is working with stakeholders to promote stronger commitments and practical action on eye health, emphasizing that protecting sight is linked to children's education, workers' productivity, household wellbeing, and the country's wider development prospects.
As part of its efforts to promote eye care, Sightsavers is partnering with the Kaduna, Zamfara, and Sokoto state governments to conduct free eye screenings and provide eye-care services. The organization is also working with the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness to draw global attention to the need for accessible, available, and affordable eye care. With the right investments, Nigeria can unlock significant economic benefits and improve the lives of millions of people living with vision impairment.
Key points
- Nigeria can unlock an estimated $2.45 billion in economic benefits by 2030 through increased investment in eye health.
- Over 24.2 million Nigerians lived with vision impairment in 2020, making eye care a public health priority.
- Sightsavers is calling for stronger integration of eye-care services into Nigeria's health system to improve access to services.
