Eyes are often called the mirrors of the soul, but they are much more than that. They are vital to how we engage with the world, influencing how we learn, work, and experience life. Yet, millions of people around the world, including many in Nigeria, are losing the ability to see clearly, with devastating consequences for their health, education, and economic prospects.
As we approach World Sight Day 2024 on October 10, it’s time to renew our commitment to tackling visual impairment, with this year’s focus on children. The theme, “Love Your Eyes – Protect Your Future,” is a powerful reminder that early action can prevent many of the issues that lead to vision loss and blindness. For Nigeria, where over 4.25 million adults suffer from some form of visual impairment and 1.13 million are living with blindness, eye health is more critical than ever.
What makes this year’s World Sight Day special is its emphasis on children. Vision problems often begin early, but many go undiagnosed until the damage is irreversible. In Nigeria, preventable childhood blindness is particularly concerning. 84 per cent of all blindness cases in the country can be prevented or treated, yet children in rural areas, where access to eye care is limited, often bear the brunt of this crisis. Conditions such as refractive errors, cataracts, and amblyopia can be treated effectively if caught early, but without timely intervention, they could lead to permanent vision loss.
At the heart of the fight against visual impairment are Nigeria’s optometrists, dedicated professionals trained to safeguard the nation’s vision. Optometrists diagnose and manage a wide range of eye conditions, from common refractive errors to more complex diseases like glaucoma.
They also prescribe corrective lenses and provide essential eye health education to patients.
Children’s eye health is particularly important because vision plays a crucial role in their development and learning. A child struggling to see the blackboard in school is likely to fall behind academically, potentially limiting their future prospects. Studies show that children with untreated vision problems are more likely to struggle in school, have lower self-esteem, and even develop behavioural issues.
In a country where education is already challenged by underfunding and infrastructural deficits, untreated vision problems further compound the issue. Many Nigerian children in public schools have never had an eye exam, and their performance suffers as a result. Correcting their vision with something as simple as glasses can dramatically improve their academic success, giving them the tools they need to thrive in school and beyond.
To make meaningful progress, Nigeria must invest more in its public eye care services. While the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) is working hard to advocate for better eye health policies, government intervention is needed to ensure that eye care is accessible to all citizens, especially children. This includes training and employing more optometrists, as well as integrating eye care services into primary healthcare systems nationwide.
Eye health is not just a medical issue; it’s an economic one too. Children who struggle with vision problems often face barriers to educational achievement, which in turn affects their ability to contribute economically as adults. Likewise, adults with untreated eye conditions face difficulties maintaining employment or supporting their families. By prioritising eye care, the government can make long-term investments in the nation’s human capital, ensuring that more people can contribute productively to society.
In recognition of these challenges, the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) has launched the “My Sight, My Right” campaign, specifically targeting children and young people. This campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of regular eye exams, early detection of eye conditions, and the need to reduce the stigma around wearing glasses. The NOA is working to normalise eye care in schools, empowering children to take ownership of their vision health and ensuring that parents understand the critical role of eye health in their children’s success.
The NOA is also using this year’s World Sight Day as an opportunity to push for government support to expand eye care services in underserved communities. Optometrists across the country will be offering free or low-cost eye exams and treatments to ensure that even the most vulnerable children have access to the care they need.
World Sight Day 2024 provides an opportunity for all of us to take action. Vision is an essential part of a child’s development, and every child deserves the chance to grow up with healthy eyesight. We must all play a role in ensuring that no child is left behind due to preventable blindness.
This October 10, let us come together for World Sight Day 2024, and make a lasting commitment to protecting the sight of our children. We have the tools and the knowledge to prevent blindness; now we need the action. Every child deserves a future where they can see the world clearly – let’s make it a reality.
Dr Ugo Enwerem is the Coordinator, Alimosho Zone, Nigerian Optometrists Association (NOA), Lagos
