FG Promises affordable Eye Clinics for 200M Citizens

FG Promises affordable Eye Clinics for 200M Citizens

FG promises to provide eye care for every Nigerian is taking shape with renewed commitment, hope, and partnerships. At a recent Eyeball Summit in Abuja, Junior Health Minister Iziaq Salako assured that the federal government will ensure no one is left behind—whether they live in a city or a remote village.

He said, “Every Nigerian must have access to the eye care they need.” He was speaking at the summit hosted by the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria. His message was clear: the country is moving towards health care that includes everyone.

The minister explained that this focus aligns with the broader goals of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to give Nigerians access to healthcare without the pain of financial hardship. With rising cases of poor vision and more people needing help, the government says it won’t ignore the eye care crisis.

Mr Salako stressed that this is not a job the government can do alone. He said the ministry is looking to form strong alliances with professionals and organisations across Nigeria. “By working together,” he noted, “we can make sure that every Nigerian—no matter where they live or how much they earn—gets the eye care they need.”

He said the summit was more than a gathering. It was a way to plan better, share smart ideas, and create real change. “This summit serves as an important platform,” he said, “to strategise and propose solid solutions to strengthen Nigeria’s eye care system.”

Mr Salako also pointed to major gaps in the system, including poor access to clinics, lack of trained workers, and low public awareness about eye health. But he said these challenges can be tackled by joining hands, sharing knowledge, and creating new ways to deliver services.

He outlined some key priorities. First, increase public education so people know how vital eye check-ups are. Second, build clinics and supply them with trained workers. And third, keep investing in the people who care for our eyes by giving them the right tools and training.

“The government is committed to giving you the tools, policies, and support to do your job well,” he said. “Under this administration, we will keep expanding access to affordable eye care services. That’s important, especially because many people live in places with little or no healthcare.”

Mr Salako’s promises touched a chord with professionals in the room. They’ve seen first-hand how untreated vision problems hurt children in school, stop adults from working, and limit the elderly from living full lives. The summit was not just about statistics; it was about real lives.

Obinna Awiaka, the registrar of the board, praised the event as a strong sign of unity and dedication. He said the summit stood for their shared mission to protect and restore the gift of sight. “This shows our passion, drive, and determination,” he said.

Mr Awiaka added that the eye health field is evolving. With rapid technology growth and rising patient needs, he said eye care professionals must keep learning. “We must stay ahead of the curve,” he urged, stressing that strong training, fresh knowledge, and innovation are key.

He also spoke of partnerships that go beyond borders—bringing in fresh ideas and better equipment from around the world. “We are not just dreaming of a better future. We’re building it,” he said.

Many in the audience shared that view. They agreed that the summit created new hope and energy. It reminded them why they chose to protect people’s vision and pushed them to do more. Everyone left with a deeper sense of mission and a clearer path forward.

In a country where millions live with avoidable blindness or poor vision, the federal government’s renewed promise means a lot. The stakes are high. But with teamwork, innovation, and strong leadership, change is possible.

If the plans discussed at the summit come to life, future generations of Nigerians may grow up in a country where eye care is not a luxury but a right.