VC decries rising vision impairment

Prof. Jesse Uneke, Vice-Chancellor of David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), Ebonyi, has expressed concern over the increasing cases of vision impairment across the country.

He spoke on Thursday during the inauguration of an eye centre at the institution in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The VC said the centre, a Centre of Excellence for Eye Research, Training, and Patient Care, aims to enhance accessibility to eye care services.

He noted that it would raise awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations and provide affordable eye care for individuals with limited financial resources.

Uneke decried the high rate of eye diseases, stating that an estimated 24 million Nigerians had lost their sight due to lack of proper care.

“The National Blindness and Visual Impairment Survey estimates that 4.2 per cent of people over 40 years old are blind,” he revealed.

He added that approximately 4.25 million adults aged 40 and above suffer from moderate to severe visual impairment or blindness.

According to the report, blindness is linked to increasing age, gender, and poor literacy levels.

“It was also noted that 84 per cent of blindness cases were caused by avoidable factors,” he said.

Uneke said many Nigerians lacked access to basic eye care, leaving them vulnerable to visual impairment and disability.

He called for improved access to refractive services and capacity building for eye care personnel.

“We must enhance education, reduce the cost of refractive services, and strengthen surveillance and research,” he urged.

He emphasised that the eye centre would focus on research and development in eye diseases alongside providing excellent eye care services.

“Our centre will conduct cutting-edge research using the latest technologies to advance evidence-based practices in eye care,” he stated.

Mrs Ukamaka Nwifuru, Wife of the Ebonyi State Governor, described the centre as crucial for improving healthcare delivery in the state and Nigeria.

She commended the university’s management for its initiatives to position the institution among the best in the country.

Nwifuru assured that the state government would continue supporting the university to ensure quality learning.