The Federal Government has urged the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN), to deploy digital and other technologies in for optometry practice in the country.

Minister of State for Health, Dr Isaac Salako, who gave the charge at the maiden Eyeball Summit organised by ODORBN, in Abuja, assured that government will continue to expand access to affordable eye care services, which are critical in a country where a large proportion of the population live in underserved areas.

The minister said the government plans to implement a 100 per cent subsidised healthcare initiative to reach vulnerable and hard to reach Nigerians in rural communities across the country.

Under the initiative known as the Renewed Hope Health Connect, there are services to improve eye health including cataract surgeries, screening for refractive error, provision of prescribed glasses tagged JIGI BOLA 2.0 and treatment of other medical conditions that can adversely affect eye health.

Salako said the government is working to ensure the integration of eye care services into primary healthcare by training nurses and Community Health Extension Workers (CHEW) to identify, assess and refer eye conditions.

He observed that in the face of rising challenges, such as the increasing burden of visual impairment, and the growing demand for eye care services, it is evident that, the government cannot address the issue of eye health in isolation. He said, “We must recognise the complexity of the health sector and deploy integrated and coordinated efforts to achieve lasting change.”

The minister called on all eye health stakeholders, including government agencies, professional bodies, and others, to build strategic alliances and collaborate between themselves to build a sustainable and inclusive healthcare system for eye care in the country.

Salako noted that the government recognises the pivotal role of the optometrists and dispensing opticians in the healthcare ecosystem, stressing that they are on the frontline of providing essential services that preserve vision and, by extension, quality of life.

He observed that the government is committed to ensuring that optometrists and dispensing opticians have the necessary tools, policies, and an enabling environment to carry out their work effectively.

Salako noted that the ministry will continue to work with relevant key stakeholders to bridge the gaps in eye training, research and infrastructure development and to boost the availability of critical eye care services and ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of their geographical location or economic status has access to the eye care they need.

He said that the summit, which serves as an important platform to collectively strategise and propose concrete solutions that can strengthen the eye care system in Nigeria.

“It is through partnerships that we can pool resources, share expertise, and develop innovative solutions to overcome the gaps in eye care provision.”

Earlier, the Registrar of the Board, Dr Obinna Awiaka, stated that in an era marked by rapid technological change, shifting patient needs, and complex healthcare challenges, it is imperative that the custodians of vision health, stay ahead of the curve and constantly evolve, embracing innovation, while upholding the highest ethical and professional standards.

He highlighted the need to reshape the future of eye care, reimagine possibilities, strengthen systems, and rekindle the collective resolve to leave a legacy of excellence in vision care for generations to come.

Awiaka noted that the summit symbolises the board’s relentless pursuit of excellence, the prioritisation of knowledge, innovation, and partnership, and an unyielding devotion to preserving and enhancing the gift of sight for all Nigerians.

The Registrar stated that the summit provides a critical platform to move that vision forward and ensure a brighter, healthier, and more equitable future for eye care in Nigeria.

On the theme, “Shaping the Future of Eye Care in Nigeria: Strengthening Systems through Strategic Alliances”, he said it speaks to a fundamental truth that no single entity, no matter how skilled or committed, can achieve transformative change alone. It is only through collaboration across institutions, sectors, and disciplines that we can create robust, sustainable, and accessible eye core systems for all.”

Awiaka reaffirmed the board’s commitment to professional excellence and continuous learning and equipping members with the tools and competencies needed to meet the demands of an increasingly dynamic healthcare environment.