Delta Mobilises Residents Against Avoidable Blindness On World Sight Day
World Sight Day Puts Preventive Eye Care in Focus
THE Delta State Government has renewed its call for regular eye examinations and prompt treatment of vision problems as it marked the 2026 World Sight Day with free screening, public sensitisation and an awareness walk in Asaba.
The campaign, organised by the State Ministry of Health through the State Eye Health Committee and in collaboration with implementing partners, adopted the theme, “Love Your Eyes: Every Story Counts.”
Participants walked from the Delta State Secretariat to the Roundabout in Asaba, using the exercise to remind residents that protecting their eyesight requires regular checks, early intervention and professional medical guidance.
The activities also highlighted a wider public-health concern: some forms of vision impairment can be prevented or managed more effectively when people seek care early instead of waiting until their sight deteriorates significantly.
State Government Reiterates Support for Eye Health
Representing the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary and President of the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria, Delta State Chapter, Dr. Gloria Patrick-Ferife, said the Oborevwori administration remained committed to strengthening eye-care delivery.
She pointed to the availability of eye-care services in public health institutions, including Central Hospital, Warri; Central Hospital, Ughelli; and Government Hospital, Ibusa.
The commissioner had also used a statewide broadcast to encourage residents to prioritise their eyesight through routine examinations, early detection and timely treatment.
He urged Deltans to seek professional attention whenever they noticed changes in their vision, noting that collective awareness and responsible health-seeking behaviour could help prevent avoidable blindness.
Professionals Stress the Value of Routine Screening
Eye-care professionals at the event warned that delayed treatment could worsen conditions that might otherwise be managed effectively.
Dr. Aghogho Benedicta, Chairman of the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria, Delta State Chapter, said early presentation, accurate diagnosis and appropriate management could prevent many cases of vision loss.
She advised residents to undergo regular screening and consult qualified eye-care professionals rather than wait for symptoms to become severe.
According to her, ophthalmologists and optometrists provide essential clinical services, while ophthalmic nurses and dispensing opticians also contribute to appropriate eye care and the provision of prescribed corrective glasses.
Her message placed responsibility on both individuals and the healthcare system: residents need to seek care promptly, while accessible professional services remain necessary to identify and address eye conditions.
Eye-Care Services Available Across Delta
Dr. Gloria Mok, Secretary of the State Eye Health Committee, listed several designated facilities where residents could seek eye examinations and other eye-care services.
They included the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba; Central Hospital, Warri; Central Hospital, Ughelli; General Hospital, Sapele; Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara; Asaba Specialist Hospital; Secretariat Clinic; General Hospital, Okwe; General Hospital, Ibusa; General Hospital, Ogwashi-Uku; and General Hospital, Kwale.
Mok encouraged residents to make use of the services available at these centres, adding that the state government was collaborating with implementing partners to provide free eye screening.
However, residents requiring specialised investigations or treatment may need further assessment or referral, depending on the facility and the nature of their condition.
Cataract Initiative Extends the Campaign Beyond Screening
Beyond screening and public education, the state’s eye-health intervention includes support for people who require cataract treatment.
Mok disclosed that the Vision Care Development Foundation had supported more than 500 free cataract surgeries since April 2026. She added that people identified during community outreach exercises would be considered for enrolment in the programme.
The initiative seeks to connect screening with treatment by identifying residents who may need surgery and directing them towards appropriate care.
Nevertheless, screening alone cannot resolve every eye condition. People identified with cataracts or other potentially serious problems need proper clinical assessment to determine the most suitable treatment.
Mok therefore urged residents to take advantage of available services and seek professional advice whenever they noticed changes in their eyesight.
Public Awareness Remains Essential to Preventing Blindness
The World Sight Day campaign underscored the importance of sustained public education on eye health, particularly the need to discourage delays in seeking treatment and reliance on unverified remedies.
Regular eye examinations can help identify problems early, while professional diagnosis allows patients to receive appropriate advice, treatment or referral.
The campaign also highlights the need for continued collaboration among government health agencies, professional bodies, healthcare facilities and implementing partners to ensure that public awareness translates into access to care.
For residents, the message is straightforward: eye health deserves attention before vision problems become severe. For the state, the longer-term challenge is to sustain screening, referral and treatment services beyond the annual awareness event.
By promoting routine examinations and publicising available eye-care services, Delta’s World Sight Day activities seek to encourage earlier treatment and strengthen efforts to prevent avoidable blindness.
