At least 1,000 residents in Kaduna State are expected to benefit from free eye screening as the state government, in collaboration with partners, marks the 2026 World Sight Day with a campaign to detect and manage vision problems early.
Vision is central to everyday life, yet many live with treatable eye conditions that go undetected due to limited access to care.
According to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, an estimated 24 million Nigerians live with vision loss, with cataracts remaining a leading cause of blindness, underscoring the need for regular examinations, early diagnosis, and accessible treatment.
To mark World Sight Day, with the theme “Love Your Eyes”, the Kaduna State Government, in collaboration with Sightsavers and other partners, launched a free eye-screening outreach targeting 1,000 residents.
At Gonin-Gora in Chikun Local Government Area, residents turned out to access services closer to home.
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Esther Agura, who is short-sighted and struggles to read, welcomed the opportunity to have her eyes examined without travelling far to see a specialist.
The traditional ruler of the community, John Yussuf, called for sustained public awareness to encourage more residents to utilise similar interventions.
Vice Chairman of the Kaduna State Eye Health Committee, Dr Fatima Mamuda Jibril, has urged residents to undergo regular eye check-ups rather than waiting for pain or vision problems before seeking medical attention.
For Sightsavers, the outreach extends beyond the community to government establishments, ensuring eye health awareness reaches wider audiences.
With 24 million Nigerians estimated to be living with vision loss, the need for sustained awareness and accessible treatment remains critical.
Beyond this annual commemoration, consistent screening, functional referral systems, and affordable treatment will be essential to preventing avoidable blindness.
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(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
