The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Health, on Wednesday joined the rest of the world to commemorate World Sight Day 2025, with an awareness walk around Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, aimed at promoting public consciousness on eye health and access to quality vision care under the theme “Love Your Eyes: Access to Eye Care for All.”

The walk, which commenced from the Ministry of Health complex, brought together health officials, development partners, professional bodies, and community representatives in a united call for improved eye health-seeking behavior among Lagosians.

Delivering his remarks, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, emphasized the critical importance of good eyesight to productivity and safety, noting that vision is one of the most vital senses for human interaction and livelihood. He stressed that eye diseases; many of which are preventable, must be detected early to avoid irreversible blindness.

Abayomi explained that the state government is strengthening preventive eye care through the establishment of eye clinics in all General Hospitals and major Primary Health Centres across Lagos. He identified common conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related vision changes as leading causes of visual impairment, warning that glaucoma in particular is “the silent destroyer of sight” that requires regular screening.

He urged parents and teachers to be observant of children who struggle to see or read clearly, as poor eyesight can hinder learning without the child realizing it. “Sometimes, children move closer to the board in class not because they are restless, but because they cannot see properly. We must test our children’s eyes early,” he said.

The Commissioner also encouraged adults, especially occupational drivers and machine operators, to prioritize regular eye examinations for their safety and that of others on the road. He linked eye health to broader health insurance access, explaining that under the Lagos State Health Scheme (Ilera Eko), subscribers can access free eye checks alongside other medical services for as low as ₦15,000 annually.

In his goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, described World Sight Day as a reminder that equitable access to quality eye care is essential to achieving universal health coverage. He noted that many Lagosians live with undiagnosed visual challenges that could have been easily treated if detected early.

Ogboye disclosed that the state currently operates 14 General Hospitals with functional eye centers and 57 PHCs offering basic eye screening, with referrals made for advanced treatment when necessary. He emphasized the need for Lagos residents aged 40 and above, as well as those with hypertension, to conduct annual eye examinations.

He further urged communities to embrace the Ministry’s outreach programmes offering free eye screening and treatment, saying, “We are not limiting the number of people to be reached; everyone in Lagos deserves to see clearly and live well.”

Speaking earlier, the Director of Medical Administration and Training, Dr. Mazeedat Erinosho, said the World Sight Day commemoration was part of the government’s Blindness Prevention Programme, which provides free screenings, eyeglasses, and cataract surgeries to residents. She revealed that over 500 people were being targeted in this year’s outreach.

Erinosho cited a recent free eye screening held at Olusosun Primary School in Lagos West Zone, where residents benefitted from free examinations and surgical interventions. “Next month, we will be in Ibeju-Lekki to continue this exercise and bring quality eye care closer to people at the grassroots,” she announced.

Chairman, Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN), Lagos State Chapter, Dr. Olayinka Shoneye-Vaughan, highlighted that many eye diseases are preventable but often become irreversible due to late presentation. “Early detection and regular check-ups are key. People should not wait until they lose vision before visiting an eye doctor,” he said.

Dr. Shoneye-Vaughan commended the Lagos State Government for its investment in primary and secondary healthcare infrastructure, which she described as crucial for improving access to vision care. he noted that out of the state’s 30 General Hospitals, about 20 have functional eye clinics, complemented by more than 300 PHCs providing preliminary vision assessment and referrals.

In a related development, the Chief Executive Officer of the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation, Dr. Olalekan Makinde, announced that the foundation was partnering with the Lagos State Ministry of Health to distribute 300 free eyeglasses to beneficiaries as part of the World Sight Day activities. He described the initiative as a continuation of the foundation’s long-standing commitment to eye health and public welfare.

Makinde noted that the partnership with Lagos State represents the foundation’s first major collaboration with the Ministry of Health, expressing confidence that it would yield impactful outcomes. He also revealed that the foundation would be conducting free eye surgeries for 200 patients in Abeokuta next month, as well as screening 5,000 individuals nationwide.

“World Sight Day is not just an event—it’s a global call to action to prevent avoidable blindness. We are proud to support Lagos State in this life-changing mission,” Makinde stated.

Mr. Joel Fanifosi, Secretary of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Ojodu Berger Branch, expressed appreciation to the state government for including transport workers in the vision care outreach. He described the initiative as “a blessing to drivers,” whose safety depends heavily on good eyesight.

Fanifosi disclosed that the Ministry’s team would conduct free eye screening and distribute corrective glasses at the Ojodu Berger park on Thursday, 9th October, as part of the commemoration. “Good sight means safer roads, and we’re grateful for this opportunity to see better and drive better,” he added.

The 2025 World Sight Day activities in Lagos underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring that every resident, regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic status has access to eye care services, aligning with the global vision of preventing avoidable blindness and promoting healthier communities.

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