The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, has reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to ensuring universal access to eye care services for all Nigerians, regardless of their location or economic status.
Speaking at the Eyeball Summit organized by the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN) in Abuja on Thursday, Salako emphasized that the government's initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda's goal of providing healthcare without financial hardship.
The summit, themed "Shaping the Future of Eye Care in Nigeria: Strengthening Systems Through Strategic Alliances," served as a platform for stakeholders to strategize on improving eye care delivery across the country.
"This summit serves as an important platform to collectively strategise and propose concrete solutions that can strengthen the eye care system in Nigeria," Salako stated. "It cannot be optimally productive without strategic alliances, collaboration and cooperation."
The minister highlighted the growing challenges in eye health, including increasing visual impairment rates and rising demand for eye care services. He noted that addressing these issues requires collaborative efforts rather than isolated interventions.
"It is through partnerships that we can pool resources, share expertise and develop innovative solutions to overcome the gaps in eye care provision," he added.
The government's strategy includes raising awareness about regular eye examinations, ensuring availability of necessary infrastructure and skilled personnel, developing eye health-friendly policies, and facilitating ongoing professional training for practitioners.
Salako assured stakeholders that the current administration remains committed to providing the necessary tools, policies, and conducive environment for effective service delivery, with particular focus on improving access to affordable eye care services in underserved areas.
Dr. Obinna Awiaka, Registrar of ODORBN, described the summit as a reflection of the board's dedication to excellence, innovation, and collaboration in protecting and enhancing vision health for every Nigerian.
"In an era marked by rapid technological change, shifting patient needs, and complex healthcare challenges, it is imperative that the custodians of vision health stay ahead of the curve," Awiaka remarked.
He emphasized that transformative change in eye care delivery requires collective effort, stating, "No single entity, no matter how skilled or committed, can achieve transformative change alone."
