The Oyo State Government has reiterated its commitment to improving access to affordable and quality eye care services across the state as part of efforts to eliminate avoidable blindness.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, represented by Dr. Fola Oni, stated this on Thursday at an event held at Alesinloye Market, Ibadan, to commemorate the 2025 World Sight Day with the theme “Love Your Eyes: Access to Eye Care for All.”
Dr. Ajetunmobi described sight as a priceless gift that must be protected and preserved, adding that improving eye health remains a top priority for the present administration.
“Eye health is often neglected in public health discourse, yet vision plays a central role in education, productivity, and quality of life,” she said. “In Oyo State, we recognize that improving access to affordable and quality eye care is both a health priority and a moral responsibility.”
The Commissioner noted that the government has taken bold steps to institutionalize eye health through the inauguration of the Oyo State Eye Health Committee earlier in the year. The committee, she explained, is mandated to strengthen coordination, guide implementation, and enforce policies aimed at improving eye health delivery in the state.
She further assured that plans are underway to launch large-scale community outreach programmes in partnership with professional associations and development partners to provide sustainable and impactful eye care interventions.
“Our goal is clear to make eye care accessible, inclusive, and affordable for all. We are committed to strengthening health facilities, integrating primary eye care into primary health care, and ensuring that every child, artisan, and elderly person lives free from avoidable blindness,” she added.
The Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Akintunde Ayinde, represented by Dr. Fasasi, urged residents to prioritize regular eye checkups and not wait until they experience vision problems before visiting the hospital.
He explained that conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes can affect eyesight, emphasizing the importance of preventive health checks.
“The eye is the light of the body and one of its most vital organs. It is important that we care for and protect it,” he said, noting that the government provides access to qualified eye specialists in several hospitals across the state, including University College Hospital (UCH) and LAUTECH Teaching Hospital.
Also speaking, Dr. Sarimiye, Secretary of the National Body of Ophthalmologists in Nigeria, who represented the Chief Medical Director of UCH, commended the long-standing collaboration between the Oyo State Government, Rotary Club, Lions Club, and other partners in promoting eye health.
He noted that the event, which is observed globally on the second Thursday of October, has helped raise awareness about preventable blindness and encouraged residents to make use of free screening opportunities.
Representing the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Amy Patrick from the National Eye Health Committee, applauded Oyo State for its innovation and for aligning with the federal initiative to strengthen state-level eye health structures.
Similarly, Dr. Susan Adepoju commended the government for inaugurating the Oyo State Eye Health Committee, noting that it would enhance quality eye care services across hospitals in the state.
In her goodwill message, Lion Tina, representing the Lions District Governor, Lion Adelaja Ademuyiwa Adeleye, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting humanitarian causes, particularly in vision care.
“We are proud to collaborate with Oyo state government and UCH to make a lasting impact on eye health. We urge everyone to take their eye care seriously and to follow professional medical advice,” she stated.
The event also featured a health awareness session by Dr. (Mrs.) Oyebode Kehinde Director Nursing Services Oyo State Ministry of Health who educated participants on the importance of balanced nutrition and hygiene for maintaining good eyesight.
Free eye screening and medical consultations with free glasses were provided to attendees as part of the activities marking the celebration.
Partners of the 2025 World Sight Day in Oyo State include the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN), Nigerian Ophthalmic Nurses Association (NONA), Nigerian Optometrists Association (NOA), Lions Club International, Rotary Club, Eye Health Committee, and the University College Hospital (UCH).
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