Dr. Joy Shu’aibu, a public health professional and Country Director of Sightsavers Nigeria, underscored a critical issue regarding eye care access in her recent statement for World Sight Day. On this significant date, observed on the second Thursday of October, the global community focuses on the importance of eye health, raises awareness about vision impairment and blindness, and advocates for enhanced eye care. Dr. Shu’aibu revealed alarming statistics: approximately two-thirds of individuals, including children and adults, who need corrective eyeglasses to see clearly do not have access to them. This lack of access extends to other serious eye conditions as well, such as cataracts, highlighting a systemic issue particularly prevalent in rural communities.
The global statistics regarding untreated or preventable visual impairment are staggering, with about 1.1 billion people affected. In Nigeria alone, an estimated 24 million individuals suffered from vision loss in 2020, with 1.3 million of these classified as blind or severely impaired due to conditions like cataracts and refractive errors. This widespread issue calls for urgent attention and action to improve access to eye health services for all age groups, from young children to the elderly. Dr. Shu’aibu emphasized that vision problems are not limited to the elderly, as many people require support at various stages of life to maintain good eye health. Despite this, eye health continues to be a neglected area of healthcare, resulting in unnecessary suffering from avoidable visual impairment.
In response to the eye health crisis, Sightsavers is conducting various activities as part of this year’s World Sight Day celebrations, particularly under the Plateau Inclusive Eye Health Programme. The initiative is set to take place in the Nigerian cities of Jos and Shendam, where screenings for up to 700 pupils will be conducted, along with eye health education for teachers and the provision of glasses. Furthermore, awareness will be raised through roadshows and media engagements, with community campaigns led by health promotion officers and visits to local education ministries. A medical and surgical outreach in the locality of Quanpan is also planned in collaboration with state government partners, demonstrating a commitment to proactively tackle the issue of eye health access.
Dr. Shu’aibu articulated that the World Sight Day events aim to celebrate progress in the fight against visual impairment while also emphasizing the urgent need for increased awareness regarding the eye health crisis. Progress has been made, thanks to collaboration among governments, donors, NGOs, and other stakeholders, who are striving to improve the availability of quality and affordable eye health services. However, more significant changes are necessary to ensure that avoidable vision impairments can indeed become avoidable. The implications of neglecting eye health are far-reaching, affecting not only individual well-being but also the broader socioeconomic status of affected communities.
The leading causes of blindness and vision impairment stem from unaddressed issues such as cataracts and uncorrected refractive errors, particularly short-sightedness. Taking steps to address these global eye health challenges demands an investment that pales in comparison to the economic loss experienced due to visual impairment every year. For instance, equipping people with the right eyeglasses can lead to a 30% increase in their earnings, which in turn can contribute positively to overall economic growth. Yet, the unfortunate reality remains that many people, especially in low- and middle-income countries, are still unable to access essential eye care services, resulting in diminished educational and economic prospects for children suffering from visual impairment.
Overall, Dr. Shu’aibu’s statements and the initiatives by Sightsavers shine a necessary light on the profound need for increased focus on eye health equity and accessibility. By raising awareness and mobilizing resources for eye care services, especially in underserved rural areas, there is potential to alter the trajectory of vision health for millions of individuals. This World Sight Day, the message is clear: a concerted global effort is required to ensure that everyone has access to essential eye care, promoting not just better vision, but also improved educational and economic outcomes, ultimately contributing to a healthier, more equitable society. The commitment to tackling avoidable blindness and visual impairment must remain a priority, both locally in Nigeria and globally, to pave the way for a future where quality eye healthcare is a universal reality for all.
