Urgent Action Needed for Nigeria's Visual Impairment Crisis

The Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN) revealed that more than 24 million Nigerians are living with visual impairment, with 84% of these cases being preventable or treatable. This information was disclosed in a communique following the OSN's 51st Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference, held from September 2 to 4 in Abuja.

OSN President, Dr Gloria Patrick, identified cataract, glaucoma, uncorrected refractive errors, and diabetic retinopathy as the leading causes of blindness in Nigeria. The Society expressed concerns regarding the uneven distribution of ophthalmologists, brain drain, inadequate electricity supply, and high data costs, which hinder access to quality eye care.

It called for state and local governments to employ more eye health professionals, particularly in underserved areas, and urged increased funding for training in digital diagnostics and teleophthalmology. The OSN also conducted a free cataract surgical outreach, performing over 500 surgeries for indigent patients in Abuja and Nasarawa State, while condemning quackery in eye care.