3.64 Million Nigerians Affected by Corneal Blindness

The Eye Bank for Restoring Sight in Nigeria reported that approximately 3.64 million Nigerians, or about 1.5% of the population, are currently affected by corneal blindness. More than 200 patients are on the waiting list for corneal transplants, highlighting the urgent need for increased public awareness and promotion of corneal donation.

Festus Odunayo Oshoba, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Eye Bank, announced the appointment of Nollywood actress Joke Silva as the organization's brand ambassador for corneal donation and transplantation during an event on Thursday. The Eye Bank has facilitated over 95 successful corneal transplants, including 19 for children aged between 30 months and 18 years.

Oshoba emphasized the importance of developing a national register to track corneal transplant recipients and called for greater acceptance of corneal donation, addressing cultural and religious misconceptions that hinder the process. A beneficiary, Mr. Raphael Oguntimi, shared his successful experience with a corneal transplant in 2022, which restored his sight after suffering from blindness due to a stroke.