The Oyo State Government has renewed its commitment to improving access to affordable and quality eye care services across the state, reinforcing its efforts to eradicate avoidable blindness.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, through her representative, Dr. Fola Oni, delivered this commitment on Thursday at an event held at Alesinloye Market, Ibadan. The meeting commemorated World Sight Day 2025, which was celebrated under the theme “Love your eyes: access to eye care for all.”
Ajetunmobi described sight as a priceless gift that must be protected and preserved, adding that improving eye health remains one of the top priorities of the current administration.
“Eye health is often neglected in public health discourse, but vision plays a central role in education, productivity and quality of life,” he said. “In Oyo State, we recognize that improving access to quality, affordable eye care is both a health priority and a moral responsibility.”
The Commissioner noted that the government has taken bold steps to institutionalize eye health through the inauguration of the Oyo State Eye Health Committee at the beginning of the year. The committee, he explained, is mandated to strengthen coordination, guide implementation and enforce policies aimed at improving the delivery of eye health services in the state.
He further assured that plans are underway to launch large-scale community outreach programs in partnership with professional associations and development partners to deliver sustainable and impactful eye care interventions.
“Our goal is clear: to make eye care accessible, inclusive and affordable for all. We are committed to strengthening health facilities, integrating primary eye care into primary health care and ensuring that all children, artisans and senior citizens live free of avoidable blindness,” he added.
The Permanent Secretary of the Oyo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Akintunde Ayinde, represented by Fasasi, urged residents to prioritize regular eye checkups and not wait until they experience vision problems before visiting the hospital.
He explained that conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes can affect eyesight, highlighting the importance of preventive health checks.
“The eye is the light of the body and one of its most vital organs. It is important that we take care of and protect it,” he said, noting that the government provides access to qualified ophthalmologists at various hospitals across the state, including University College Hospital (UCH) and LAUTECH Teaching Hospital.
Also speaking, Dr Sarimiye, Secretary of the National Corps of Ophthalmologists of Nigeria, who represented the Chief Medical Director of UCH, praised the long-standing collaboration between the Oyo State Government, Rotary Club, Lions Club and other partners in promoting eye health.
He noted that the event, celebrated around the world on the second Thursday in October, has helped raise awareness about preventable blindness and encouraged residents to take advantage of free screening opportunities.
Representing the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Amy Patrick of the National Committee on Eye Health, applauded Oyo State for its innovation and for aligning itself with the federal initiative to strengthen eye health structures at the state level.
Similarly, Dr. Susan Adepoju commended the government for inaugurating the Oyo State Eye Health Committee, noting that it would improve quality eye care services in hospitals in the state.
In her goodwill message, Lion Tina, representing the Lions District Governor, Lion Adelaja Ademuyiwa Adeleye, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting humanitarian causes, particularly in eye care.
“We are proud to collaborate with the Oyo State Government and UCH to make a lasting impact on eye health. We urge everyone to take their eye care seriously and follow professional medical advice,” he said.
The event also featured a health awareness session by Dr. Oyebode Abiola of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), who educated participants on the importance of balanced nutrition and hygiene to maintain good eyesight.
As part of the activities that mark the celebration, attendees were provided with free eye exams and medical consultations with free glasses.
READ ALSO THE BEST STORIES FROM Newslodge
WATCH THE BEST VIDEOS FROM Newslodge TV