By Huldah Shado
Sightsavers Nigeria has revealed that over 4.25 million Nigerians are blind or visually impaired, warning that the country faces a growing eye health crisis if access to care does not improve.
The NGO made the disclosure on Thursday during a media partners’ meeting in Keffi, Nasarawa State, aimed at promoting eye health awareness and combating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).
Ms. Barbara Marok, Eye Health Programme Officer at Sightsavers, said many cases are preventable or treatable, including cataracts, glaucoma, and uncorrected refractive errors.
She added that only 4.4% of Nigerians currently access eye care, compared to 38% in middle-income countries.
Poor vision, she noted, costs the nation billions of naira annually due to reduced productivity and learning difficulties.
Ms. Esther Bature, Advocacy Coordinator, stressed that discrimination against persons with disabilities limits their access to healthcare and education.
She highlighted Sightsavers’ inclusive initiatives such as the SMILE Project, Inclusion Works II, and the Girls Educational Skills Partnership-SABI Woman Programme, which aim to promote equality and social inclusion.
Both officials called on the media to raise awareness, advocate for government support, close funding gaps, and ensure that persons with disabilities are included in Nigeria’s health and development agenda.
