Optometrists in Nigeria are concerned about the poor condition of primary healthcare facilities and eyecare.

Over a billion people may go blind worldwide by 2025, according to a Friday assertion made by the Nigerian Optometric Association, NOA, due to illiteracy and limited access to medical care.

The Association expressed their concern over the dire status of primary healthcare facilities in Nigeria by

The Association lamented the poor condition of basic healthcare facilities in Nigeria in a statement following its 46th National Conference in Abakaliki.

Dr. Anderson Chimeziri, President of the Association, and Dr. Victor Aliche, National Secretary, cited a lack of access to healthcare as one of the main causes of vision impairment globally in a communiqué.

It acknowledged that providing for the wellbeing of its people is one of the main duties of the government, but it expressed sadness that certain equipment required for the provision of medical services is grossly overtaxed by customs.

The Association stated that if adequate interventions are not made, the impending blindness will have an impact on productivity, national growth, and family life. It also stated that poor outdoor and prolonged near work activities, such as using computers, phones, TVs, laptops, and eye pads, are major causes of vision problems.

According to eye experts, a single comprehensive eye exam performed by an optometrist can result in a variety of positive outcomes, including the identification of eye and health issues like glaucoma, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other disorders that had gone undiagnosed.

Earlier in his speech, Dr. Obinna Awiaka, the former president of the association, expressed concerns about the economy and security situation in the nation as well as the rising number of violent clashes. He urged the government to take swifter action to address both the immediate and root causes of the issues.