1
Tor Vande-Acka
MAKURDI: Benue State Government in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, has provided 2,000 corrective lenses to indigenes of the state, free of charge.
The State Government noted that under the leadership of Governor Hyacinth Alia, the state was committed to reducing the burden of preventable blindness and visual impairment in Benue.
State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche, disclosed this at a press briefing to mark the World Sight Day (WSD), organised by the State Government, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), held in Makurdi on Thursday.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Beatrice Tsavmbu, the Commissioner observed that while it has partnered NGOs to provide free eye surgeries and corrective lenses to thousands of citizens, it has also strengthened primary eye care services at the community level.
He said, “Uncorrected refractive errors, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and other conditions continue to cause unnecessary suffering especially in underserved communities. This is unacceptable in the 21st century especially when we know that over 90% of vision loss is preventable or treatable with timely intervention.
“Get your eyes tested regularly and as direction in this regard, the State in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health has made available teams of eye care professional to conduct eye screening and issue over 2000 corrective lenses free of charge to mark this year’s commemoration.
“As a government, under the leadership of His Excellency the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, we are committed to reducing the burden of preventable blindness and visual impairment in our State.”
Other interventions to people suffering from from eye defects the commissioner said include partnership with local and international NGOs to provide free eye surgeries and corrective lenses to thousands of citizens.
He pointed out the state government has also “Strengthened primary eye care services at the community level; supported national vision screening programmes in rural areas.
“In line with our commitment to universal health coverage, we continue to integrate eye health into primary health care, making services more accessible and affordable to all across the State.
“Today, we join the global community in marking World Sight Day 2025. A day set aside to raise awareness about the importance of eye health and the need for accessible, equitable and inclusive eye care for all.
“This year’s theme: “Love Your Eyes” is not just a slogan, it is a call to action. A reminder to every individual to prioritize their eye health and to take simple, proactive steps to preserve the precious gift of sight.
“Let us take concrete steps to ensure that no one goes blind needlessly, and that everyone regardless of age, gender or socio-economic status – can access quality eye care when they need it.”
Ogwuche, therefore urged individuals suffering from any vision impairments to “Practice healthy lifestyle habits – proper nutrition, UV protection and safe screen use, all contribute to better eye health; support those living with vision impairment by promoting inclusion and removing stigma.”
Speaking at the occasion, Head, Benue Eye Health Committee, Dr Kator Chaha, advised the people to guard their eyes jealously, because the eye is the window of the body. End.
