The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian has access to essential eye care services.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday at the Eyeball Summit organized by the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN), Salako emphasized the government’s determination to make quality eye care accessible to all Nigerians, regardless of location or financial status.
Themed “Shaping the Future of Eye Care in Nigeria: Strengthening Systems Through Strategic Alliances”, the summit aligns with ongoing efforts in the health sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes universal healthcare access without financial burden.
Highlighting the rising burden of visual impairment and the growing demand for eye health services, Salako stressed that these challenges require collaborative solutions.
“By working together, we can ensure that every Nigerian… has access to the eye care they need,” he said.
He also emphasized the importance of strategic alliances, noting that partnerships are key to pooling resources, sharing expertise, and bridging the gaps in eye care provision.
The ministry, he added, is committed to increasing public awareness of regular eye check-ups, building adequate infrastructure, and equipping human resources to support effective service delivery.
Salako further stated that the government would expand access to affordable eye care services, especially in underserved communities, while also promoting eye-health-friendly policies and ongoing professional development for eye care providers.
Registrar of ODORBN, Dr Obinna Awiaka, said the summit reflects the board’s dedication to innovation, partnerships, and the preservation of vision for all Nigerians.
“In an era marked by rapid technological change… it is imperative that the custodians of vision health stay ahead of the curve,” he said.
Awiaka stressed the importance of evolving with innovation while maintaining high ethical and professional standards. He also acknowledged that meaningful transformation in eye care can only be achieved through collective action.
What you should know
Dr Iziaq Salako reaffirmed that the Nigerian government is working to ensure nationwide access to affordable, quality eye care, especially in underserved areas, through strategic partnerships, policy reforms, and expanded health infrastructure.
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