NOA Taraba Marks 2025 World Sight Day, Calls for More Investment in Eye Health
By Christiana Babayo.
The Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA), Taraba State Chapter, has joined the rest of the world in commemorating the 2025 World Sight Day, with a renewed call for greater investment in eye health and the recruitment of more optometrists across the state.
The event, which held in Jalingo, brought together government officials, healthcare professionals, students, and other stakeholders to raise awareness about the importance of regular eye checkups and preventive eye care.
This year’s global theme, “Love Your Eyes” emphasizes the need for individuals to take personal responsibility for their vision while recognizing the diverse experiences that shape people’s eye health journeys.
Speaking during the event, the Chairperson of the Association, Dr. Grace Ahams Akor, explained that World Sight Day is celebrated annually to draw global attention to blindness prevention and visual impairment.
She noted that many sight-related challenges can be prevented through early diagnosis and routine eye examinations.
“Good eyesight is essential to education, productivity, and overall wellbeing. We must continue to educate people about the importance of regular eye checks and the need to seek professional care rather than self-medicate,” Dr. Akor said.
She commended the Taraba State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and other partners for their collaboration in organizing this year’s event.
Dr. Akor also lauded the Taraba State Government for the successful launch of the School Eye Health Programme, describing it as a “major step forward” in promoting eye care awareness among school children.
However, she expressed concern over the shortage of optometrists in the state, appealing to the government to employ more professionals to strengthen the healthcare system.
“We currently have too few optometrists to meet the growing demand for eye care services, especially in rural areas. In Taraba we just have about three optometrists which is a far cry from what is expected if were dealing with eyecare. Addressing this gap will significantly improve access to quality eye care for all,” she added.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Augustina Godwin, praised the NOA for its consistency in driving advocacy for better vision care.
She also launched the School Eye Health Initiative and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to sustaining the program.
“Education can only be meaningful when learners can see clearly. As a government, we are determined to ensure that no child’s education suffers because of untreated vision problems,” she stated.
The commissioner further encouraged parents and teachers to pay closer attention to children who show signs of visual difficulties and to seek professional help early.
In separate goodwill messages, representatives from health agencies, professional bodies, and civil society groups underscored the importance of partnerships and sincerity of purpose in tackling eye health challenges.
They emphasized that beyond advocacy, sustained investment in infrastructure, equipment, and manpower development remains crucial to reducing avoidable blindness in Taraba and across Nigeria.
