In a vibrant display of commitment to public health, the Lagos State Government on Wednesday joined the global observance of World Sight Day 2025 with an awareness walk around the Alausa Secretariat in Ikeja.
The event, organized by the Ministry of Health, rallied health officials, development partners, and community members under the theme “Love Your Eyes: Access to Eye Care for All,” to promote eye health awareness and equitable access to vision care services across the state.
Early Detection, Child and Driver Eye Health
In his address, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, highlighted the critical link between good eyesight and productivity, safety, and quality of life.
He warned that many eye diseases, if not detected early, can lead to irreversible blindness.
Abayomi revealed that the state is strengthening its preventive eye care services by establishing eye clinics in all General Hospitals and major Primary Health Centres.
He identified glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related vision changes as leading causes of visual impairment, describing glaucoma as a “silent destroyer of sight” that necessitates regular screening.
The Commissioner issued a particular appeal to parents and teachers to be vigilant for signs of vision problems in children, which can often be mistaken for restlessness or poor academic performance.
“Sometimes, children move closer to the board in class not because they are restless, but because they cannot see properly. We must test our children’s eyes early,” he advised.
He also urged occupational drivers and machine operators to undergo regular eye examinations for public safety, linking this to the affordable coverage provided by the Lagos State Health Scheme (Ilera Eko), which offers free eye checks for an annual premium as low as ₦15,000.
Government Expanding Network of Eye Care Facilities
Corroborating the Commissioner’s statements, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, stated that equitable eye care is a cornerstone of universal health coverage. He disclosed that Lagos currently has 14 General Hospitals with functional eye centers and 57 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) offering basic screenings, with a referral system in place for advanced care.
Dr. Ogboye emphasized the importance of annual eye exams for residents aged 40 and above, as well as those with hypertension, and encouraged communities to take full advantage of the Ministry’s free outreach programmes.
Partners and Professional Bodies Lend Support
The event also featured goodwill messages from key partners. The Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation announced a partnership with the state government to distribute 300 free eyeglasses to beneficiaries.
The Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN), Lagos Chapter, represented by its Chairman, Dr. Olayinka Shoneye-Vaughan, commended the state’s infrastructure investments, noting that about 20 of the state’s 30 General Hospitals have functional eye clinics.
Adding a practical perspective, Mr. Joel Fanifosi, a representative of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), expressed gratitude for the inclusion of drivers, announcing that a free screening and glasses distribution event would be held for transport workers at the Ojodu Berger park on October 9th.
The commemoration underscores Lagos State’s multi-faceted strategy—combining public awareness, infrastructure development, and strategic partnerships—to prevent avoidable blindness and ensure that quality eye care is accessible to all residents.