The Federal Government has announced plans to expand its Jigi-Bola eye care initiative to provide at least five million free spectacles and 25,000 free cataract surgeries nationwide by the end of 2027 as part of efforts to improve access to quality eye care and reduce avoidable blindness.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Adekunle Salako, disclosed this while declaring open the 49th Annual National Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) and the Annual General Meeting of the African Council of Optometry (AFCO).
According to a statement issued by the Assistant Director of Information at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ado Bako, Salako said the expansion of the Effective Spectacle Coverage Initiative, popularly known as Jigi-Bola 2.0, would be implemented under the Renewed Hope Health Connect Programme to improve access to eye care services across the country.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Optometrists in a Changing Africa: From Diversity to Unity,” the minister said the administration of President Bola Tinubu was prioritising primary eye care and the prevention of avoidable blindness through targeted policies and strategic investments.
Salako disclosed that more than 2,220 primary healthcare workers in 16 states had been trained and equipped to conduct vision screening and refer patients for further treatment under the initiative.
He added that the programme has so far screened nearly two million Nigerians and distributed more than 1.3 million free reading glasses, with about 66 per cent of beneficiaries receiving spectacles for the first time.
The minister also highlighted progress under the National Eye Health Strategic Development Plan (2024–2028), including the integration of eye care services across all levels of healthcare, the launch of the Nigeria Glaucoma Guidelines and Toolkit to standardise diagnosis, treatment and referral protocols, and the training of ophthalmologists from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to strengthen glaucoma management.
Salako said investment in eye care yields significant social and economic benefits, citing studies indicating that every one dollar invested in eye care could generate returns of between 28 and 36 dollars through improved productivity, enhanced quality of life and lower healthcare costs.
He described optometrists as critical stakeholders in strengthening community eye health and reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s commitment to working with the Nigerian Optometric Association to expand community based eye care, promote research and improve the integration of optometric services into Nigeria’s healthcare system.
The minister also congratulated the association for securing the headquarters of the African Council of Optometry in Nigeria and for producing the president elect of the continental body, describing both achievements as major milestones for the country’s eye care profession.
He urged optometrists to continue mentoring younger professionals, uphold the highest standards of practice and partner with government to achieve universal access to quality eye care services.
Salako expressed optimism that the conference would generate practical solutions to address gaps in the prevention and treatment of vision impairment in Nigeria and across Africa.
