Vice Chancellor of David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, Prof Josse Uneke, yesterday said an estimated 24 million Nigerians have sight loss due to health implications, adding that if urgent steps are not taken, more Nigerians will still lose their sight.

Uneke made the disclosure at the university campus in Uburu Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State during the flag-off of the eye center donated by wife of Ebonyi governor, Mrs. Uzoamaka Nwifuru.

He noted that eye conditions are common and it is a well-known fact as according to the World Health Organisation, globally, about one billion people have a near or distance vision impairment that could be prevented. He maintained that cataracts and uncorrected refractive errors are estimated to be the leading causes of vision impairment.

but added that Age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, long standing systemic conditions like diabetes causing diabetic retinopathy, infectious diseases of the eye and trauma to the eye are all equally important causes for vision impairment that need to be addressed.

Prof. Uneke noted that the Eye Center apart from dealing with any eyes related issues the Centre operates with a multi-disciplinary team or experts Specializing in conducting research and training on eye related issues, and caring for people with eye disease.

His words “In Nigeria, an estimated 24 million people have sight loss. The Nigeria national blindness and visual impairment survey estimates that 4.2% of people over 40 years old are blind”.

“It was also estimated that 4.25 million adults aged 40 years and above have moderate to severe visual impairment or blindness and according to the report, blindness was associated with increasing age, being female, and poor literacy.

It was noted in the report that 84% of blindness was due to avoidable causes. Many people in Nigeria are unable to access basic eye care, leaving them at an increased risk of visual impairment and disability”.

“The primary objectives of the DUFUHS Eye Centre which is a Centre of Excellence for Eye R, Training and Patient Care, are enhance accessibility to eye care services especially to rural Community dwellers in Ebonyi State, increase awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations, provide affordable eye care solutions for individuals with limited financial resources, and develop sustainable strategies to ensure long-term access to eye care services.

Speaking the Wife of the governor of Ebonyi state Mrs. Uzoamaka Nwifuru noted that no society will progress meaningfully if such society neglect the important of quality healthcare delivery noting that the Eye Center will live to it expectations.

She stated that her pet project Better Health for Rural Women and Internally Displaced Person Foundation BERWO has done tremendous well in stepping down healthcare delivery to the people especially those in the rural areas urging all Ebonyians to make use of the Center.

Mrs. Nwifuru thanked the University for this wonderful breakthrough promising that Ebonyi state government will continue to partner with school in their quest to deliver quality learning.