The Federal Government has called for the integration of eye care services into primary healthcare delivery to expand access for millions of Nigerians in need of quality vision care.

Senior Special Adviser to the President on Health Matters, Dr Salma Anas, made the call at the Eyeball Summit organised by the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. She emphasised the need for actionable strategies to strengthen the health system and achieve universal eye care coverage.

Anas reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving healthcare through innovation, partnerships, and equitable access, noting that good vision is essential for national development. She added that the summit’s theme, “Driving Innovation and Partnership for Sustainable Development,” aligns with the country’s goal of achieving health equity.

She stressed the need for sustainable financing models, innovation in optical care, and the expansion of universal health coverage, urging stakeholders to remain mindful that improved vision can transform lives.

Also speaking, Registrar of Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN), Dr Obinna Awiaka, said eye health is increasingly recognised as critical to public health, economic productivity, and social wellbeing.

He noted that millions of Nigerians still suffer from preventable or treatable visual impairment due to poor access, low awareness, inadequate infrastructure, and uneven distribution of professionals.

Awiaka called for bold reforms and innovative approaches to transform eye care delivery, highlighting advances in diagnostic technologies, tele-optometry, artificial intelligence, digital health platforms, and optical manufacturing as key drivers of change.

He described the summit as a platform for policy dialogue, investment, and collaboration, urging stakeholders to explore new service delivery models, expand community-based programmes, strengthen training, and foster collaboration among ophthalmologists, optometrists, dispensing opticians, and ophthalmic nurses.

The registrar also decried Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported optical products, noting that frames, lenses, and related components are not manufactured locally. He called for strategic partnerships, including engagement with the Bank of Industry, to stimulate local production and reduce dependence on imports.

Awiaka reaffirmed the board’s commitment to regulating optometry practice, promoting ethical standards, and creating an enabling environment for innovation, partnerships, and investment to improve access to quality eye care services nationwide.