By Chinenye Anuforo and Johnson Adebowale
Beneficiaries of the ‘Eye Can See’ initiative in Edo recently.
In Nigeria, preventable blindness dims lives and hinders progress. The NEPL/Seplat JV’s “Eye Can See” initiative fights back, restoring sight and empowering communities.
Nearly half of all visual impairments in Nigeria are caused by cataracts. From blurry vision to irreversible blindness, these conditions trap people in darkness, impacting their education, work, and overall well-being.
The impact of eye disorders extends beyond individual health. It strains healthcare systems as untreated impairments necessitate specialized care. Additionally, vision problems limit workforce participation, reducing productivity and economic stability. Marginalized communities, particularly those in rural areas, face even greater challenges due to limited access to eye care services
Untreated vision problems affect education. Children with visual impairments struggle to read and participate in class, hindering their academic performance. This has long-term consequences, as education directly impacts future job opportunities, economic mobility, and social integration.
The Nigerian National Blindness and Visual Impairment Survey (NNBVIS) highlights the urgency for intervention. Cataracts alone contribute to nearly half of visual impairment cases. Early detection and treatment are crucial for effectively managing these conditions.
A multifaceted approach addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach: Preventative measures to reduce the risk of eye diseases, early detection through screenings and outreach programmes, access to affordable, high-quality eye care services for all, community education to raise awareness about eye health, policy interventions to promote equity in eye health access.
By prioritizing eye health and implementing inclusive strategies, societies can create a healthier environment for everyone.
The “Eye Can See” initiative embodies these principles. Launched in 2012, it has delivered over 96,000 eye treatments, distributed 45,000+ reading glasses, and performed over 4,000 surgeries in Edo, Delta and Imo states. This has significantly improved access to vision care and restored dignity to countless individuals.
The initiative’s strength lies in its comprehensive approach. It addresses various eye diseases, ensuring individuals receive the care they need. This includes presbyopia, glaucoma, cataracts, pterygium (eye growth), and allergic conjunctivitis.
The impact goes beyond individual beneficiaries. Improved visual health leads to: increased workforce productivity, reduced healthcare costs associated with untreated eye diseases, economic empowerment through greater participation in education and economic activities, community engagement for program sustainability, scaling up for brighter futures
With ambitious targets to screen 6,000 individuals, perform 350 surgeries, and distribute 5,000 reading glasses in 2024 alone, “Eye Can See” demonstrates its commitment to reaching more people. This proactive approach plays a vital role in preventing avoidable blindness and promoting lifelong vision health.
Imagine a farmer struggling to see his crops, or a child on the verge of dropping out of school due to blurry vision. Thanks to “Eye Can See,” these individuals have received cataract surgery, reading glasses, or vision screenings. Their restored sight has not only revitalized their lives but also instilled hope for a brighter future.
The initiative empowers countless others – mothers caring for families, fathers contributing to their households, and grandparents cherishing moments with loved ones. The positive ripple effect extends beyond individuals, impacting entire communities.